Greater palatine foramen- morphometry, sexual dimorphism and clinical perspective

Abstract

Abstract Background and aims: Maxillary nerve block via greater palatine foramen (GPF) is most commonly followed procedure for many dental, oral and maxillofacial surgeries. Many standard textbooks mention location of GPF in a general way. Location of GPF with respect to fixed bony landmarks has been studied by many authors in different population groups. The results of those studies showed lot of variability in location of GPF. The data regarding possible existence of sexual dimorphism are sparse. The present study was aimed at contributing further data regarding morphometry of the GPF. Ao attempt has also been made to look for sexual dimorphism. Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty three adult dry skulls of known sex (male- 55 & female - 68) were studied for GPF with regards to- morphometry, shape, relation to molars, fixed bony landmarks- Median maxillary suture(MMS), Incisive fossa(IF), Posterior border of hard palate(PBHP), Aogle between line joiniog GPF with IF & MMS, direction of opening of GPF into oral cavity. Results: Aotero-posterior diameter on left side (p-0.006), transverse diameter on both sides (p-0.000 on left & right side) distance between GPF to IF on both sides (p- 0.013 right side, p-0.02 left side, GPF-PBHP distance on both sides (p-0.001 left side, p-0.002 on right side) showed statistical significance when compared male with female skulls. In both male and female skulls, Oval shape predominated followed by round and slit variety of GPF. Both on right and left side GPF found to be predominantly related to anterior half of 3rd molar. Direction of opening of GPF into oral cavity was predominantly antero-medial on both sides in male and female skulls. Conclusion: Our study provides a valuable addition to the available literature on location of GPF and also gives an insight to the possible existence of sexual dimorphism.