Anthropometric Measurements of Infraorbital Foramen and its Anatomic Variations in Dried Human Skulls.

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study was to determine the distance between IOF and IOM, IOF and pyriform aperture,the presence of accessory foraminae, orientation and location in relation with teeth on both the sides. Materials and Methods: Fifty dried human skulls (100 sides) irrespective of age and sex were used for this study. The distance between the IOF and IOM and the distance between the IOF and pyriform aperture were measured by using manual vernier calliper. The orientation, location in relation with teeth and presence of accessory foramina were observed macroscopically. Observations and Discussion: Accessory foramina may give complications during anaesthetization of this region. The mean distance between the IOF and infraorbital margin was 22.6mm and 15.2mm on the left and right side respectively. Mean distance between I.O.F and pyriform aperture was 26.2mm and 25.8mm on the left and right side respectively. In 30% skulls the IOF were directed vertically downward on the right side and in 38% on the left side. In 66% downward medially on the right side and 56% on the left side and in4% skulls medially on the right side and 6% on the left side. The majority of IOF were oriented to second premolar teeth on the right side and between second premolar and first molar on the left side.Accessory foraminae were found in 6% of skulls. The results of our study may be helpful during surgical procedures in the maxillary region in reduction of Lefort fracture, and giving regional nerve block.