Morphometric study of incisive, greater and lesser palatine foramina: a novel point of maxillary nerve block in a Thai population / Estudio morfométrico del foramen palatino incisivo, mayor y menor: un punto novedoso de bloqueo del nervio maxilar en una población tailandesa

SUMMARY: To study the morphometric location of the incisive, greater, and lesser palatine foramina for maxillary nerve block. Two hundred Thai dry skulls were randomly organized from the Forensic Osteology Research Center. The distances of the parameters were measured via Vernier caliper.: Thedistances from the incisive foramen to the incisive margin of the premaxilla were 10.93?2.42 mm in males and 10.98?2.06 mm in females. From the left side, the incisive foramen to the greater palatine foramen (GPF) was39.07?2.23mm in males and 38.57?2.41 mm in females, and from the right side were 39.81?2.37 mm in males and 38.62?2.53mm in females. From the left side, the incisive foramen to the lesser palatine foramen (LPF) was 43.16?2.23 mm in males and 41.84?2.42mm in females and from the right side were 42.93?2.14 mm in males and 41.76?2.61 mm in females. The GPF found at medial to the maxillary third molar were 94-95 % in males and 84 % in females. These findings suggest that the medial position to the third molar teeth be used as a landmark for a palatine nerve block in Thais. These findings will help dentists to perform local anesthetic procedures, especially the nasopalatine and greater palatine nerve blocks, more effectively.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la localización morfométrica de los forámenes palatinos incisivos, mayores y menores para el bloqueo del nervio maxilar. Se organizaron al azar doscientos cráneos secos tailandeses del Centro de Investigación de Osteología Forense. Las distancias de los parámetros se midieron mediante un calibre Vernier. Las distancias desde el foramen incisivo hasta el margen incisivo de la premaxila fueron 10,93 ? 2,42 mm en hombres y 10,98 ? 2,06 mm en mujeres. Desde el lado izquierdo, el foramen incisivo al foramen palatino mayor (FPM) fue de 39,07 ? 2,23 mm en los hombres y 38,57 ? 2,41 mm en las mujeres, y del lado derecho fue de 39,81 ? 2,37 mm en los hombres y 38,62 ? 2,53 mm en las mujeres. Del lado izquierdo, el foramen incisivo al foramen palatino menor (LPF) fue de 43,16 ? 2,23 mm en hombres y 41,84 ? 2,42 mm en mujeres y del lado derecho 42,93 ? 2,14 mm en hombres y 41,76 ? 2,61 mm en mujeres. El FPM encontrado medial al tercer molar maxilar fue 94-95 % en hombres y 84 % en mujeres. Estos hallazgos sugieren que la posición medial de los terceros molares se utilice como punto de referencia para un bloqueo del nervio palatino en individuos tailandeses. Estos hallazgos ayudarán, de manera más eficaz, a los dentistas a realizar procedimientos anestésicos locales, especialmente los bloqueos nasopalatinos y del nervio palatino mayor.

Anatomical Study On Location Of Greater Palatine Foramen In Dried Adult Human Skull: Key To Successful Maxillary Nerve Block

Background: The greater palatine foramen (GPF) conducts greater palatine nerve, responsible for the innervationof posterior part of the hard palate. Anaesthetic block for greater palatine nerve is highly recommended forsurgical practices involving upper molar, maxillary sinus and nasal region. But the practical problem associatedwith anaesthesia is difficulty in locating the exact position of greater palatine foramen, leading to deliveringinsufficient anaesthetic solution. The greater palatine neurovascular structures enter the oral cavity through thegreater palatine foramen so this foramen should be approached carefully during any surgical procedures toavoid damage to these neurovascular structure.Materials and methods: 126 dried adult skull bones of unknown sex, obtained from the department of anatomy,MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital were used to locate the exact position of greater palatine foramen inrelation to bony landmarks. On both side, the distance of greater palatine foramen from midline maxillarysuture, posterior border of hardpalate, incisive fossa and lesser palatine foramen were measured with digitalvernier caliper. Location of GPF in relation to molar or premolar tooth was also noted. The data obtained wereanalyzed statistically by calculating mean and standard deviation. The percentage was calculated for the locationof GPF in relation to molar or premolar tooth.Result: In the present study of anthropometric analysis of greater palatine foramen of 126 dried skulls, it wasobserved that the most common location of greater palatine foramen was opposite to the third molar tooth. Themean distance between greater palatine foramen to mid maxillary suture was 13.71mm on right side and13.72mm on left side and posterior border of hard palate on right side was 4.62mm and 4.49mm on left side. Themean distance between greater palatine foramen and incisive fossa was 36.73mm and 36.66mm on the right andleft side respectively. The mean distance between greater palatine foramen and lesser palatine foramen was1.47mm on right side and 1.49 mm on left side.Conclusion: Results of present study may contribute greatly to the successful outcome of maxillofacial and oralsurgeries regional anaesthesia.

A Study Of Palatal Indices And Foramina In The Hard Palate Of Adult Human Skulls In Central India Region

Aim of study: Aim of study: The aim of the study is to determine morphometric indices of hard palate, positionand location of greater palatine foramen (GPF) in relation to maxillary molars and number of lesser palatineforamen (LPF).Materials and methods: 100 adult skulls (65 males and 35 females) were obtained from the Department ofAnatomy. The parameters of hard palate like length, breadth and height were measured and palatine indiceswere calculated. Observations were made on the position and relation of GPF with maxillary molar and numberof LPF. There were highly significant differences between both the sexes in Palatal length, breadth and height. Thepalatine index indicated that majority (61%)of skulls had narrow palate (Leptostaphyline).The palatine heightindex showed that majority (69%) of skulls had high arched or deep palate.(Hypsistaphyline). The greater palatineforamen was at the level of third molar in 50%, in between second and third molar in 35.5%, and at the level ofsecond molar in 14% . In majority of skulls (71%) one lesser palatine foramen was observed and about (35%) ofskulls had two LPF and (2.5%) of skulls had three LPF, and in about (5.5%) absence of LPF was observed.Conclusion: Thorough anatomical study of hard palate is useful in ethnic and racial classification of crania,anthropological studies, fabricating complete maxillary dentures for edentulous patients and performing certainsurgical procedures in hard palate and soft palate. Knowledge of palatal indices would be helpful to the anatomists,anthropologists, and forensic experts and surgeons during repair of the cleft palate and lip.

Contribución al Estudio Descriptivo del Foramen y Canal Palatino Mayor / Contribution to the Descriptive Study of the Foramen and Greater Palatine Canal

RESUMEN: El foramen y canal palatino mayor (FPM y CPM) comunican boca con fosa pterigopalatina. El conocimiento adecuado de su morfología, permite el abordaje anestésico del nervio maxilar. En el vivo, el FPM está recubierto por una mucosa gruesa, debido a esto los puntos de referencia óseos y dentarios son importantes para ubicar el sitio de punción. Se ha descrito gran variabilidad en cuanto a la etnia, posición, forma, diámetros, longitudes y permeabilidad. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir éstas características en cráneos de adultos chilenos. Se utilizaron 31 cráneos de ambos sexos. En los paladares se determinó; forma, largo, profundidad y ancho. En los FPM se consideró su forma, diámetros y localización. En los CPM se registró su permeabilidad y su coincidencia con la forma del FPM. Los registros se realizaron con cámara digital, compás de precisión, caliper digital, compas tridimensional de Korkhaus y sonda metálica. Los resultados muestran un predominio de la forma cuadrada del paladar por sobre las formas triangular y redondeada. Las mediciones de su largo, ancho y profundidad indican diferencias por sexo y por etnia. La forma del FPM no muestra diferencia por sexo, primando la forma ovalada por sobre la fusiforme y la redondeada. La posición de este mismo foramen tampoco muestra diferencias sexuales, primando la posición frente al tercer molar superior, seguida por la posición frente al espacio entre segundo y tercer molar superior y por último frente al 2do molar superior. Las dimensiones del FPM son mayores en individuos masculinos. Los CPM se observaron en su totalidad permeables y los FPM no siempre coincidieron en forma con la sección transversal del CPM. Estos resultados y su comparación con la literatura indican variaciones importantes, lo que impide establecer directrices objetivas a la técnica anestésica que utiliza esta vía anatómica.

ABSTRACT: The greater palatine foramen and canal (GPF and GPC) communicate with the pterygopalatine fossa. The adequate knowledge of its morphology allows the anesthetic approach of the maxillary nerve. In vivo, the GPF is covered by a thick mucosa, therefore, the bone and dental reference points are important to locate the puncture site. Great variability has been described in terms of ethnicity, position, shape, diameters, lengths and permeability. The objective of this study was to describe these characteristics in skulls of Chilean adults. 31 skulls of both sexes were used. In the palates shape, length, depth and width were determined. In the GPF its shape, diameters and location were considered. In the GPC, their permeability and their coincidence with the shape of the GPF were recorded. The records were made with digital camera, precision compass, digital caliper, Korkhaus three-dimensional compass and metallic probe. The results show a predominance of the square shape of the palate over the triangular and rounded forms. The measurements of its length, width and depth indicate differences by sex and ethnicity. The shape of the GPF shows no difference by sex, with the oval shape prevailing over the fusiform and the rounded. The position of this same foramen also shows no sexual differences, with the position prevailing against the upper third molar, followed by the position in front of the space between the upper second and third molars and finally against the upper 2-molar. The dimensions of GPF are greater in male individuals. The GPC were found to be entirely permeable and the GPF did not always coincide in form with the cross section of the GPC. These results and their comparison with the literature indicate important variations, which prevents establishing objective guidelines for the anesthetic technique used in these cases.

Morphometric Study Of The Greater Palatine Foramen In The Dried Bones Of Eastern India

Introduction: Greater palatine foramen is a very important landmark for administering anesthesia in maxillofacialand dental surgeries. Getting the anesthesia correct each time is a technical manoeuvre, which require sufficientamount of clinical skill and experience. The anatomical landmark has been described by many authors but asper the data in the eastern Indian population it is sparse. This study aims to define the greater palatine foramenaccording to various landmarks.Materials and Methods: One hundred and three skulls from two medical colleges of eastern India were studiedby the first and second authors separately and consecutively. All the skulls were examined for any broken partsin the hard palate and in the greater palatine foramen region. Only the skulls that were intact in these areas wereconsidered for the study.Result: The mean distance of the greater palatine foramen to the incisive foramen was 35.45mm in the males and34.82mm in the females. The average distance between the greater palatine foramen and the midline maxillarysuture was 13.22mm in the males and 12.98 mm in the females. In 85.92% cases we found the GPF to be oval inshape and it opened in to the oral cavity antero-medially in 58% of the cases. With respect to the molar teeth, in42.71% of the cases the greater palatine foramen was present opposite the anterior ½ of the 3rd molar.

Pterygopalatine fossa infiltration: A radio-anatomic study among adult patients in a tertiary private hospital

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> As   a   guide   to   the   clinical   practice   of   infiltration   of   local   anesthesia   into   the pterygopalatine fossa via the greater palatine canal, this study sought to determine and record the  mean  CT  scan  measurements  of  the  following:  1)  palatal  mucosal  thickness,  2)  length  and width  of  greater  palatine  canal,  and  3)  length  and  width  of  pterygopalatine  fossa  among  adult patients in a private tertiary hospital in Quezon City.<br /><strong>METHODS:</strong><br /><strong>Design:</strong> Retrospective, Descriptive Study<br /><strong>Setting:</strong> Tertiary Private Hospital<br /><strong>Subjects:</strong> Paranasal Sinus (PNS) CT Scans of 113 adult patients from January 2014 to May 2014 were reviewed and evaluated. Excluded were images with pathology that distorted the anatomy of the sinuses and surrounding structures.<br /><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Our study showed average CT scan measurements of 5.98 mm palatal mucosal thickness, 16.99  mm  greater  palatine  canal  length,  18.75  mm  pterygopalatine  fossa  length,  2.37  mm greater palatine canal width and 2.58 mm pterygopalatine fossa width. Comparison of average measurements  by  sex  was  not  statistically  significant.  There  was  statistical  significance  when comparing the right palatal mucosal thickness of 5.86 mm with the left which was 6.11 mm with p-value of 0.001. Comparison between the length of the right pterygopalatine fossa of 18.48 mm with the  left side at 19.01 mm showed statistical significance with p-value of 0.01.<br /><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> As the average measurement of the mucosal palatal thickness combined with the length of the greater palatine canal was 22.97 mm, we recommend bending the needle 23 mm from  the  tip  in  a  45  degree  angle  for  adult  patients  who  will  undergo  sinus surgery,  control  of posterior epistaxis, trigeminal nerve block and minor oral cavity surgeries.</p>

Morphometric evaluation of the greater palatine foramen in adult Sri Lankan skulls / Evaluación morfométrica del foramen palatino mayor en craneos adultos de Sri Lanka

Evidence supports a clear racial variation in the position of the greater palatine foramen. Therefore detailed knowledge of the population specific data on biometric features of the greater palatine foramen will facilitate therapeutic, local anesthetic and surgical manipulations in the maxillo-facial region. The goal of this study was to elucidate the morphological features and precise anatomical position of the greater palatine foramen with reference to surrounding anatomical landmarks in an adult Sri Lankan population. A total of one hundred and thirty six adult dry skulls were assessed to determine the number, shape, direction of opening of the greater palatine foramen and straight distance from it to the palatine midline, posterior margin of the hard palate and incisive fossa. The position of the greater palatine foramen was determined in relation to the maxillary molars. The results indicated that 82.35% of the greater palatine foramina had an oval outline and located in line with the long axis of the upper third molar (77.20%). The greater palatine foramen was located 15.24 mm lateral to the median sagittal plane of the hard palate and 4.51 mm anterior to the posterior border of the hard palate. In 50% of the cases the greater palatine foramen opened in an antero-medial direction. The results of the current study further highlight the racial differences in the position of the greater palatine foramen and emphasize the need for meticulous preoperative evaluation of the greater palatine foramen in patients who are candidates for maxillo-facial surgeries and regional block anesthesia.

La evidencia apoya una variación racial evidente en la posición del foramen palatino mayor. Así, el conocimiento de datos específicos de la población sobre las características biométricas de las aperturas palatinas facilitará la realización de tratamientos terapéuticos, anestésicos locales y manipulaciones quirúrgicas en la región maxilofacial. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las características morfológicas y la posición anatómica precisa del foramen palatino mayor con referencia a estructuras anatómicas circundantes en una población adulta de Sri Lanka. Un total de 136 cráneos secos, adultos, fueron evaluados para determinar el número, la forma, la dirección de apertura del foramen palatino mayor y la distancia recta a la línea mediana palatina, al margen posterior del paladar duro y la fosa incisiva. La posición del foramen palatino mayor se determinó en relación con los molares superiores. Los resultados indicaron que 82,35% de los forámenes palatinos mayores tenían un contorno ovalado y situado en línea con el eje largo del tercer molar superior (77,20%). El foramen palatino mayor se encontró 15,24 mm lateral del plano sagital del paladar duro y 4,51 mm por delante del margen posterior del paladar duro. En el 50% de los casos la apertura de los forámenes fue en dirección antero-medial. Los resultados señalan las diferencias raciales en la posición del foramen palatino mayor y apuntan a la necesidad de una evaluación preoperatoria minuciosa en los pacientes candidatos a cirugías maxilofaciales y anestesia de bloque regional.

A study of the anatomical variations in the position of the greater palatine foramen in adult human skulls and its clinical significance / Variaciones anatómicas en la posición del foramen palatino mayor en cráneos humanos adultos y su significación clínica

Pain is a common distressing symptom in dental practice. Depending upon the cases, different techniques are used to relieve pain. One of these is peripheral trigeminal nerve block. Peripheral trigeminal nerve block anaesthesia has proved to be an effective and convenient way to anaesthetise large regions of oral and maxillofacial complex. This block can be intraoral or extra oral. The intraoral route is through the greater palatine foramen in which the dental surgeons enter into the pterygopalatine fossa, where the maxillary nerve is situated. The morphological variations in the position of greater palatine foramen may be of clinical importance in the administration of local anaesthesia and in palatal surgery. In the present study, the distance of greater palatine foramen from the median palatine suture, and from the posterior border of hard palate have been noted, and the position of greater palatine foramen relative to the maxillary molars, as well as the direction of the foramen have been examined.

El dolor es un síntoma común y preocupante en la práctica dental. Dependiendo de los casos, diferentes técnicas se utilizan para aliviar el dolor. Una de ellas es el bloqueo periférico del nervio trigémino. Esta, ha demostrado ser una forma eficaz y conveniente para anestesiar grandes regiones del complejo oral y maxilofacial. Este bloqueo puede ser intraoral o extraoral. La vía intraoral es a través del foramen palatino mayor en la cual se ingresa en la fosa pterigopalatina, donde se encuentra el nervio maxilar. Las variaciones morfológicas en la posición del foramen palatino mayor puede ser de importancia clínica en la administración de anestesia local y en la cirugía del paladar. En el presente estudio, se examinó la distancia del foramen palatino mayor desde la sutura palatina mediana y el margen posterior del paladar duro, y su posición relativa a los molares superiores, así como la dirección del foramen palatino mayor.

Morphologic study of the greater palatine canal

Anesthesia of the hard palate is necessary interventions palate and periodontal procedures, drainage ofabscesses and extractions. In most cases the identification of the foramen is made with reference to the secondmolar. Although this guide is considered unstable because of possible periodontal disease. This study aimedto determine the topography and morphology of the greater palatine canal, and its use for large trunk locks.A sample of 43 skulls was used. Measurements were done with a compass needle points, a caliper and needle27 g. The landmarks were the anterior nasal spine and later, the tuber of the jaw, the pterygopalatine fossaand cruciform suture. The data were analyzed statistically. The results show a significant difference betweenthe length of the gap the greater palatine foramen and the distance between the tuber of the jaw and thebeginning of the suture pterygomaxillary. With this study we can conclude that the gap of the foramen hasvariable length which requires further criterion for the anesthesia. For the maxillary nerve block via the greaterpalatine foramen, considerations in facial biotype of the patient should be made.

Morphometric Analysis of the Greater Palatine Foramen in Dry Southern Brazilian Adult Skulls / Análisis Morfométrico del Foramen Palatino Mayor en Cráneos de Individuos Adultos del Sur de Brasil

The greater palatine foramen (GPF) conducts the greater palatine nerve, responsible for the innervation of the posterior hard palate. The morphometric knowledge of the GPF is essential in the anesthetic interventions required in maxillofacial surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the location and shape of the GPF in dry skulls of adults from Southern Brazil. Male (n = 65) and female (n = 29) skulls were studied, and the distance measurements from the middle of the GPF to the mid-sagittal plane (MSP) and to the posterior border of the hard palate (PBHP) were analyzed using a digital caliper and a ruler. The mean GPF-MSP distance in the right and in left sides of male skulls were 15.6 mm and 15.4 mm, respectively, and in female skulls, 15.63 mm in the right side and 15.47 mm in the left. The mean GPF-PBHP distance on the right side was 3.5 mm in male skulls, and 3.1 mm in female skulls, and on the left side, 3.6 mm and 3.2 mm in male and female skulls, respectively. Student's t-test showed no significant difference in the GPF-MSP and GPF-PBHP mean distances when compared to gender and to the left and right sides. The predominant GPF shape was ovoid, followed by lancet or slit, and round. This study provides comparisons of ethnic data, which may help clinically in oral and maxillofacial anesthesia.

El foramen palatino mayor (FPM) da paso al nervio palatino mayor, responsable por la inervación de la región posterior del paladar. El conocimiento morfométrico del FPM es importante en las intervenciones anestésicas requeridas durante los procedimientos quirúrgicos maxilofaciales. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la ubicación y la forma del FPM en cráneos de individuos adultos del Sur de Brasil. Se estudiaron 65 cráneos de hombres y 29 de mujeres, midiéndose la distancia desde el centro del FPM al plano mediano (PM) y al margen posterior del paladar duro (MPPD), utilizándose un cáliper digital y una regla milimétrica. La distancia promedio de FPM-PM en los lados derecho e izquierdo de los cráneos de hombres fue de 15,6 mm y 15,4 mm, respectivamente, y en los cráneos de mujeres, fue de 15,63 mm en el lado derecho y 15,47 mm en el izquierdo. La distancia media de FPM-MPPD en el lado derecho fue de 3,5 mm en cráneos de hombres y 3,1 mm en cráneos de mujeres y en el lado izquierdo de 3,6 mm y 3,2 mm en cráneos de hombres y mujeres, respectivamente. La prueba t de Student no mostró diferencias significativas en los promedios de las dos distancias (FPM-PM y FPM-MPPD), comparando sexos y lados. La forma ovoide del FPM fue predominante, seguida de las formas de hendidura y redonda. Este estudio proporciona comparaciones de datos étnicos, que pueden ayudar a la clínica en anestesia oral y maxilofacial.

Applied anatomy of HPS-UPPP to treat OSAS / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective:The paper provided the basis of morphology to treat severe obstructive sleep apneasyndrome (OSAS) by applying hard palate short uvulopalato-pharyngoplasty (HPS-UPPP) in clinic.Methods:The curve length of hard palate and soft palate,the distance between the greater palatine foramenwere measured with vernier caliper and the position relation of the nerve and vessels passing throughgreater palatine foramen was observed in 100 oranium and 50 cadaver. Results:The curve length of hardpalate was 49.3± 0. 28 mm;the curve length of soft palate was 26.1±0. 30 mm;the distance between thegreater palatine foramen was 27.3±0. 24 mm. Conclusion:The results have the guiding significance in re-moval of length of hard palate and soft palate ,and the way of operation.

TOPOGRAPHY AND MORPHOMETRY OF THE STRUCTURES OF THE PTERYGOPALATINE FOSSA IN KOREANS

Maxillary osteotomy(LeFort I, II, III) is a commonly performed maxillary surgical procedure for the correction of dentofacial deformities. Maxillary osteotomy necessitate seperation of the skeleton of the middle third of the face from its posterior attachments to the cranium. With conventional techniques, an osteotome is placed between the maxilla and pterygoid plates and tapped medially and anteriorly to separate the pterygomaxillary junction. To separate the pterygomaxillary junction safely, knowledge on the anatomical structures of the pterygopalatine fossa area is very important to surgeons. So, to clarify the anatomical structures as it relates to the surgical approach of the pterygomaxillary junction area, Korean skulls (male 110 sides, female 44 sides) were used. And 30 sides of Korean hemisectioned heads were dissected to study about the anatomical and surgical structures of the pterygopalatine fossa area. Suggestions are given regarding the prevention of the complication during the maxillary osteotomy. Results of the studies indicate that with regard to the course of the maxillary artery and the morphology of the pterygomaxillary junction, pterygomaxillary dysjunction would be safely done with pterygomaxillary osteotome of 15mm width in Koreans. And osteotomy should be angled inferiorly from the zygomaticomaxillary crest. This will minimize the risk of the damaging the pterygopalatine fossa area because the mean distance form the inferior border of the pterygomaxillary junction to the furcation of the descending palatine artery was 24.8mm.

Clinical Anatomy of the Skull Related to Maxillary Osteotomy in Koreans / 체질인류학회지

Maxillary osteotomy is a commonly performed maxillary surgical procedure for the correction of dentofacial deformities. LeFort I osteotomy necessitate seperation of the skeleton of the middle third of the face from its posterior attachments to the cranium. With conventional techniques, an osteotome is placed between the maxilla and pterygoid plates and tapped medially and anteriorly to separate the pterygomaxillary junction. To separate the pterygomaxillary junction safely, knowledge on the anatomical structures of the pterygopalatine fossa area is very important to surgeons. So, to clarify the anatomical structures as it relates to the surgical approach of the pterygomaxillary junction area, Korean skulls (male 110 sides, female 44 sides) were used. The results were as follows. 1. In Korean skulls, the height of the pterygomaxillary junction was 16.4 +/-3.9 mm on the right side and 16.5 +/-3.8 mm on the left side in males. In females, height of that was 14.9 +/-2.0 mm on the right side and 15.7 +/-2.4 mm on the left side. The width of the pterygomaxillary junction was 12.3 +/-2.0 mm on the right side and 11.8 +/-1.5 mm on the left side in males. In female skulls, the width of that was 11.4 +/-1.6 mm and 11.1 +/-1.3mm on the right and left side, respectively. The distance from the pterygomaxillary junction to the orifice of the greater palatine foramen was 10.4 +/-1.8 mm(the right), 10.4 +/-1.7 mm(the left) in males and 9.4 +/-1.6 mm(the right), 9.6 +/-1.5 mm(the left) in females. 2. The shape and location of the greater palatine foramen as it relates to the position of the maxillary molar teeth were investigated. The shape of the all greater palatine foramina was oval shape in which had long diameter antero -posteriorly. The greater palatine foramen was located at the palatal position of the maxillary third molar was the most commonly observed. And the prevalence in which the greater palataine foramen was located at the palatal position of the maxillary second molar and was located at the palatal position between the maxillary second molar and the maxillary third molar were 5.6 % and 18.5 %, respectively. In two cases, the greater palatine foramen were located at the palatal position of the distal aspect of the maxillary third molar. The mean distance from the greater palatine foramen to the posterior end of the palatine bone was 3.7 +/-1.3 mm(the right), 3.9 +/-1.4 mm(the left) in males, and 3.4 +/-1.2 mm(the right), 3.3 +/-1.2 mm(the left) in females. 3. As a surgico -anatomical data, the location of the pterygomaxillary junction related to the nasal floor and maxillary alveolar arch was observed. The height from the level of the the nasal floor plane to the superior border of the pterygomaxillary junction was 11.6 +/-3.8 mm (the right), 11.0 +/-3.4 mm(the left) in males and 10.8 +/-2.2 mm(the right), 10.7 +/-2.4 mm(the left) in females. Measuring value of the depth from the sagittal plane passing the outermost maxillary alveolar arch to the outer region of the pterygomaxillary junction was 7.1 +/-1.9 mm in right side and 6.9 +/-1.6 mm in left side. Taken all together, with regard to the morphology of the pterygomaxillary junction, pterygomaxillary dysjunction would be safely done with pterygomaxillary osteotome which has a width of 15mm in Koreans. And for the sake of surgical safety, osteotomy should be angled inferiorly from the zygomaticomaxillary crest.