Anatomic variations of the infraorbital foramen.

Abstract

The aims of this study were to locate the infraorbital foramen and to determine the frequency and location of any accessory foramen, which may be troublesome during anesthetization of this region. In 45 cadavers, the infraorbital foramen was dissected according to classic principles for location. The line between the angulus oculi medialis and the angulus oculi lateralis was divided into three equal pieces, and a second line was drawn downward, perpendicular to the point uniting the internal and medial thirds. The position of the infraorbital foramen was determined in relation to that line and the infraorbital margin. For the right and left sides, the infraorbital foramen was found to be on that line in 75.6% and 68.9% of the specimens, respectively. The infraorbital foramen was 10.9 mm and 8.3 mm under the infraorbital margin in men and women, respectively. Regarding accessory foramen, 119 crania and 229 maxilla were observed (a total of 467 infraorbital foramen), and it was found that single accessory foramen were present in 11.5% of specimens and double accessory foramen were present in 1.28% of specimens. In 79.6% of specimens with single accessory foramen, the accessory foramen was superior and medial to the main opening. These results are helpful in decreasing anesthetic complications.