Morphological Analysis of Length and Shape Nasopalatine Canal onHuman Dry Skulls

ABSTRACT

Background:To assess length and shape of nasopalatine canal on human dry skulls. Subjects and Methods:Fifty- four dry human skulls of either gender was recruited for the study. The length of the nasopalatine canal was measured from the definite point (interproximal region) of the central incisors to the distal end of the incisive foramen. Incisive foramen diameter was calculated in the sagittal plane by measuring the anteroposterior distance of the oral entrance of the NPC. Shape was categorized into 4 types, Cylindrical, funnel, hourglass and spindle shape.Results:The mean length of nasopalatine canal was 16.2 mm in males and 13.4 mm in females. A significant difference was observed (P< 0.05). A non- significant difference in male (5.3 mm) and females (4.9 mm) incisive foramen diameter was observed. The most common shape of nasopalatine canal was cylindrical in 23, funnel in 7, hourglass in 21 and spindle shape in 3 skulls. A significant difference was observed (P< 0.05).Conclusion: Nasopalatine canal morphology assessment is essential to prevent iatrogenic injury to the anatomical structures. Mostcommon shape found to be hour glass and cylindrical