Biometric features of facial foramina in adult Kenyan skulls

ABSTRACT

Several studies have indicated ethnic, age andsex-related variations in the position and sizeof the facial foramina. The present studyreports the biometric features of the mentalforamen (MF), and infraorbital (IO), supraorbital(SO), and zygomaticofacial (ZF) foraminain a sample of adult Kenyan skulls. Onehundred and four adult human skulls wereevaluated for the sizes, positions, multiplicity,symmetry and geometries of the MF, IO, SO,and ZF foramina. Our observations reveal thatthe MF was present in all 104 sku1ls. The distanceof the mental foramina from the symphysismenti ranged from 16.5 mm to 34.0 mm.The IO foramina were multiple in 5% of theskulls. The IO foramen was positioned6.26±1.8 mm from the inferior orbital marginand 32.87±3 mm from the superior alveolarmargins, respectively. The distance from thesuperior alveolar process was greater in males.The distance of the MF, IO and SO from themidline was about 27 mm. ZF were absent in3-4% of the skulls and multiple in 50% of theskulls. Ten percent of the supraorbital passageswere foramina; 60% were notches, whilethe rest were both notches and foramina. Inconclusion, the biometric characteristics of thefacial foramina reveal variations in Kenyanskulls. Clinicians operating in this area shouldbe aware of this anatomy and dimorphic sexualfeatures when anaesthetizing and operatingin the facial region (AU)

RESUMEN

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