Anthropometric measurements of infra orbital foramen in a selected Senegalese population; surgical implications

Abstract

The infraorbital foramen (IOF) is an essential anatomical structure for maxillary block anesthesia in dental practice and maxillofacial surgery. The literature also reports the importance of knowing the morphometric characteristics of the infraorbital foramen because it can be damaged during maxillofacial surgery. PurposeThe aim of our study is to determine anthropometric characteristics of the infra orbital foramen in a selected Senegalese population. Material and methodsA total of 87 CT-Scan of patients were included in our research. The data were collected from cerebral CT-Scan in three-dimensionnal reconstruction of patients. The transverse and vertical diameters of the IOF and its distance to the nearest point of the infraorbital margin, lateral nasal border and lower border of the maxillary were measured and the shape determined. Result87 CT-scan of patients were be analyzed. The mean transverse diameter of IOF on the left side was 5.00 mm ± 0.130 while on right it was 4.99 mm ± 0.130. The mean distance between the right foramen and the infraorbital margin was 11.0 mm ± 0.284 and 10.6 mm ± 0.272 for the left side. Foramen was located at 46% on the line above the 2nd premolar. The right IOF was round in 52% of subjects while the left was oval for 44% and semi lunar for 4%. An accessory IOF was found in 11% of the subjects. ConclusionKnowledge of the precise anatomical location of IOF is important in surgical procedures and reduce the relative risks during clinical procedures.This study showed many differences in the location of the infra orbital foramen with caucasians measurments done.