Location and incidence of the zygomatico-facial foramen in dry human skulls: An anatomical study

Abstract

IntroductionZygomaticofacial foramen (ZFF) is present on the lateral surface of zygomatic bone. Zygomaticofacial nerve passes through it. The knowledge of incidence and location of ZFF has surgical importance. Materials and methodsSeventy dry human skulls of indeterminate age and gender were studied for location, incidence and variations pertaining to zygomaticofacial foramen (ZFF). Region-wise incidence of ZFF was noted by dividing the lateral surface of zygoma into four (A, B, C & D) regions. The frequency of number of foramina was noted. The distance of ZFF from the orbital margin, frontozygomatic suture and zygomaticomaxillary suture were measured. ResultsLocation wise the incidence of the ZFF was more in the ‘C’ region with frequency of 51.82% followed by 25.54% and 22.62% in ‘A’ & ‘B’ regions respectively with none in ‘D’ region. The number of foramina varied from absent to maximum of three. The single foramen was found in 67.14% of skulls. Frequency of absence of foramen was 18.57%. In 12.14% of skulls two foramina were observed whereas three foramina were seen in only 2.14% of skulls. The mean distances of the ZFF from frontozygomatic suture (FZ), zygomaticomaxillary suture (ZMS) and orbital margin in ‘mm’ is 27.4 & 27.29, 20.05 & 19.88 and 8.05 & 7.82 on the right and left side respectively. DiscussionThe study shows variability in the location and incidence of the ZFF which makes it a less reliable landmark for reference during surgical procedures in the region.