Multi-slice spiral CT appearances of maxillary incisive canal:Observation of normal anatomy and abnormalities / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the morphological features of the incisive canal in normal anatomy and abnormalities with multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT). Methods MSCT findings of 108 normal subjects and 65 patients with abnormalities involving incisive canal were retrospectively analyzed. Results The normal incisive canal were classified into 3 types according to the morphology of the nasal openingtwo openings, short bony crest and one opening (37.04%, 33.33% and 29.63%, respectively), as well as cylinder, Y-shaped and pyramidal (59.26%, 37.04% and 3.70%) in coronal images, and cylinder, pyramidal and fusiform (84.26%, 14.81% and 0.93%) in sagittal images. The maximum diameter of the nasal and palatal opening was (4.67±1.31) mm and (3.51±0.88) mm (P<0.05). The length of the incisive canal was (10.71±1.95) mm, (11.51±1.97) mm in male and (9.91±1.58) mm in female respectively, and gender difference was found (P<0.05). The angle between the posterior wall and the hard palate was (118.51±9.44)°. The upper and lower length from the anterior wall of the incisive canal to the cortical palate was (9.29±1.26) mm and (7.12±1.21) mm, respectively (P<0.05). The manifestations of abnormalities involving incisive canal including enlargement (47.69%), narrowing (46.15%), shortening (3.08%) and interruption (3.08%) were observed. Conclusion The morphology of the incisive canal can be clearly delineated with MSCT and post processing techniques. It is extremely valuable for avoiding potential complications during surgical procedures such as implant placement and helpful to the diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities involving maxillary incisive canal.