Anatomy of the greater palatine foramen and canal and their clinical significance in relation to the greater palatine artery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

PurposeAccurate knowledge of greater palatine foramen (GPF) and greater palatine canal (GPC) anatomy is necessary to avoid injury to the greater palatine artery (GPA) when performing a variety of anesthesiologic, dental or surgical procedures. The aim of this paper was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature on the anatomy and localization of bony structures associated with the GPA, namely the GPF and GPC.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases. Seventy-five studies were included in the meta-analysis (n = 22,202 subjects).ResultsThe meta-analysis showed that the GPF is positioned 17.21 mm (95% CI = 16.34–18.09 mm) from the posterior nasal spine, 2.56 mm (95% CI = 1.90–3.22 mm) from the posterior border of the hard palate, 46.24 mm (95% CI = 44.30–48.18 mm) from the anterior nasal spine, 15.22 mm (95% CI = 15.00–15.43 mm) from the midline maxillary suture, 37.32 mm (95% CI = 36.19–38.45 mm) from the incisive foramen, and opposite the third maxillary molar (M3) in 64.9% (58.7–70.7%) of the total population.ConclusionAn up-to-date, comprehensive analysis of GPF and GPC clinical anatomy is presented. The results from this evidence-based anatomical study provides a unified set of data to aid clinicians in their practice.