A computed tomography study in the location of greater palatine artery in South Indian population for maxillary osteotomy.

INTRODUCTION: The greater palatine artery is one of the important feeding vessel to the maxilla. The surgeon should know the surgical anatomy of greater palatine artery to avoid trauma in maxilla which leads to ischemic problems. AIM: The CT evaluation of the distance between Pyriform aperture and the greater palatine foramen in various ages of both sexes. RESULT: The distance varies according to sex and age which are measured by CT and standardised. DISCUSSION: The lateral nasal osteotomy can be done upto 25 mm depth, instead of 20 mm. CONCLUSION: By this study it shows that the lateral nasal wall osteotomy can be performed without injury to greater palatine artery.