The Anatomy, Features and Sex Correlations (Dimorphism) of Tubero–Palato–Pterygoid Region among Adult Population—Single Center Study Based on 3D Printed Models

Stefan Ihde,Joanna Klećkowska-Nawrot,Aleksandra Karykowska,Izabela Janus,Łukasz Pałka,Sławomir Jarząb,Maciej Dobrzyński,Karolina Goździewska-Harłajczuk,Maciej Janeczek

doi:10.3390/app11125450

Abstract

This study evaluates the differences in the dimension, symmetry, and anatomical characteristic of the tubero–palato–pterygoid region in adults using 3D printed models. The objective of this study was also estimation of how many tubero–pterygoid implants can be placed safely with enough distance between threads of implants. The investigation draws on 57 models of upper jaws, including the adjacent pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone from randomly selected cases. The consecutive measurements (lateral, medial, rostral, caudal, area, line-1 longitudinal, and line-2 transverse) on both sides of the body—right (R) and left (L)—were used for the purpose of this study. Among the group of 57 cases were 30 females (F) and 27 males (M). A strong correlation was identified between lateral and line-1 longitudinal across the sample group of both male and female cases (p ≤ 0.05; r ≥ 0.9). Moreover, a strong correlation was noted between medial and line-1 longitudinal in the whole group of cases and in the male group (p ≤ 0.05; r ≥ 0.9). Lateral and line-1 longitudinal demonstrated a weak positive relationship with the age of the female cases (p ≤ 0.05; 0.03 < r < 0.05). Medial and line-1 longitudinal showed a weak negative relationship with the age of the male cases (p ≤ 0.05; −0.05 < r < −0.03). The results of this study suggest that, in most cases, two such tubero–pterygoid implants may be placed, which is a good advantage for support of implant-based bridges.

Highlights

The tubero–palato–pterygoid region is formed through the junction of maxillary tuberosity, the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone, and pyramidal process of the palatine bone
Numerous scholars posit that knowledge relating to the morphometry of the tubero
Data relating to the physical measurements of the pterygomaxillary region is required by clinicians for pterygoid implant placement, for example [13]

Summary

Introduction

The tubero–palato–pterygoid region is formed through the junction of maxillary tuberosity, the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone, and pyramidal process of the palatine bone. The upper limit of the junction creates the pterygomaxillary fissure (PMF). The pterygoid fossa is formed by the divergence of the lateral pterygoid plate and the medial pterygoid plate of the pterygoid process. The hamular notch is a groove between the maxillary tuberosity and the pterygoid hamulus, positioned at the posterior limit of the maxilla. The greater palatine foramen is located at the posterior-medial of the tuberosity which transmits the descending palatine vessels and greater palatine nerve. The pterygomaxillary suture is located at the inferior level to the pterygo-maxillary fissure and represents the contact zone between the maxillary tuberosity and the lateral plate of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone

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Conclusion