Retrospective Morphometric Analysis of the Infraorbital Foramen with Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study is to examine the morphometric characteristics
of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) and its anatomic localization by using conebeam
computerized tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: In our study,
the anatomic characteristics of the IOF were identified by studying retrospectively
the CBCT images of one hundred twenty-five (125) patients. These characteristics
were assessed statistically in terms of age, gender, and right-left side. Results: In
our study, 42% of them had IOF in circular form and 58% in oval form. Of them
66.90% of those in oval form were in oblique direction, 28.30% of them were
in vertical direction, and 4.80% of them were in horizontal direction. The mean
vertical diameter of the IOF was found as 3.71 ± 0.61 mm and its mean horizontal
diameter was found as 3.17 ± 0.56 mm. The mean distance of IOF to midline were
measured as 25.10 ± 2.17 mm, distance to upper edge of the orbita was measured
as 41.91 ± 2.77 mm, distance to infraorbital edge was measured as 5.63 ± 1.77 mm,
distance to the lateral nasal wall was measured as 9.32 ± 2.68 mm, distance to
spina nasalis anterior was measured as 17.97 ± 3.99 mm, thickness of the soft
tissue on the foramen was measured as 11.52 ± 2.40 mm, and distance between
the right and the left IOF was measured as 50.20 ± 3.90 mm. Accessory foramen
was found in 56.60% ratio. Conclusion: This study reveals that CBCT may guide
for local anesthesia applications and for other invasive procedures in order to
prevent the damage of the neurovascular structures during maxillofacial surgery
by identifying the distances of anatomic points such as IOF having surgically
importance.

Keywords: Cone beam computed tomography, infraorbital foramen