Morphometric study of infraorbital foramen in dry human skulls.

ABSTRACT

Background & Objectives:To study the most precise location, shape and direction of infraorbital foramen in dry human skulls, in relation to Infraorbital Margin, Piriform Aperture(PA) and Upper Alveolar Margin(AM). Method: A total of one hundred dry human skulls of unknown gender were measured using digital calliper with Infraorbital Margin, Piriform Margin and Alveolar Margin as reference points. The location, shape, size, direction and number of accessory foramina were observed. Results: The mean distance between the Infraorbital Margin(IOM) and Infraorbital foramen(IOF) was 7.82mm. There was a statically significant difference on right and left sides. The mean distance between the IOF and the piriform aperture(PA) was 16.01mm. The overall vertical diameter of the IOF was 3.23±0.98mm (right) and 3.25±1.03mm (left ). The overall horizontal diameter of IOF was 3±0.76mm(right) and 3.28±0.99mm ( left).The majority of IOF were directed inferiomedially on both the right (51%) and left (50%) side. There was a superiomedially directed IOF in 1% of skulls, which was not mentioned in the previous literatures. Accessory foramina were found in 20% skulls. Interpretation & Conclusion: Infraorbital foramen is located close to important anatomical structures like orbit, nose, oromaxillary sinuses and upper teeth. The knowledge of anatomical characteristics of the location ,dimension, shapes, directions and number of accessory foramina have clinical implications in the infraorbital nerve block. This information should be kept in mind during local anaesthetic planning for surgeries in the field of Dentistry, ENT, Anaesthesia, Ophthalmology and Surgery.