Foramen Area Research Articles

Navigational area of the cranio-orbital foramen and its significance in orbital surgery.

The cranio-orbital foramen (COF) is located on the lateral wall of the orbit. It is a potential source of hemorrhage during deep lateral orbital dissection, since it functions as an anastomosis between the lacrimal artery and the middle meningeal artery. The aim of this study was to guide and facilitate the surgical procedures in the orbit, so as to determine a navigational area and the precise location of the COF and to standardize certain anatomical marks. The navigational area of the COF and topographical features were studied in 75 craniums with presented COF. 33 bilateral main COFs, 41 (18 on the right, 23 on the left) unilateral main COFs at the main cranium and 19 accessory COFs were studied for their navigational features on the orbit. The distances between the COF and the fronto-zygomatic suture, supraorbital notch, lateral angle of the superior orbital fissure (SOF) and Whitnall's tubercle were measured. The mean distance of the COF from the fronto-zygomatic suture, supraorbital notch, lateral angle of the SOF and Whitnall's tubercle was 26.3, 37.3, 92 and 27.1mm, respectively. For the navigational area signs of the COF, areas of the orbit that form the transversal and vertical lines are generated on the reference points. Whilst the upper outer area of the orbit contains a potential bleeding risk, the bottom section of the outer column is identified as safe for the surgical operations of the lateral orbital wall. The fronto-zygomatic suture and Whitnall's tubercle are recommended as the most reliable navigational landmarks for identifying the COF. Hence, the transversal and vertical orientation of the COF should be mastered by the surgeons reconstructing the anterior base of the skull and the orbit.

Direct lateral lumbar interbody fusion: clinical and radiological outcomes.

ObjectiveAccording to the recent development of minimally invasive spinal surgery, direct lumbar interbody fusion (DLIF) was introduced as an effective option to treat lumbar degenerative diseases. However, comprehensive results of DLIF have not been reported in Korea yet. The object of this study is to summarize radiological and clinical outcomes of our DLIF experience.MethodsWe performed DLIF for 130 patients from May 2011 to June 2013. Among them, 90 patients, who could be followed up for more than 6 months, were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical outcomes were compared using visual analog scale (VAS) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Bilateral foramen areas, disc height, segmental coronal and sagittal angle, and regional sagittal angle were measured. Additionally, fusion rate was assessed.ResultsA total of 90 patients, 116 levels, were underwent DLIF. The VAS and ODI improved statistically significant after surgery. All the approaches for DLIF were done on the left side. The left and right side foramen area changed from 99.5 mm2 and 102.9 mm2 to 159.2 mm2 and 151.2 mm2 postoperatively (p<0.001). Pre- and postoperative segmental coronal and sagittal angles changed statistically significant from 4.1° and 9.9° to 1.1° and 11.1°. Fusion rates of 6 and 12 months were 60.9% and 87.8%. Complications occurred in 17 patients (18.9%). However, most of the complications were resolved within 2 months.ConclusionDLIF is not only effective for indirect decompression and deformity correction but also shows satisfactory mechanical stability and fusion rate.

Computed tomographic evaluation of C5 root exit foramen in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Background:Narrowing of the intervertebral foramen for C5 root and a larger superior articular process in myelopathic patients with postlaminoplasty motor dominant C5 radiculopathy has been reported. We investigated whether the C4-5 foraminal dimensions and surface area in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy are universally smaller than the intervertebral foramina at other cervical levels.Methods:The study population consisted of 44 consecutive patients (sex: 24 males and 20 females), averaging 55.7 years of age (range 42-84) years who presented with clinical features suggestive of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Using computed tomography (CT) imaging, we prospectively compared height, transverse diameter, and surface area of the C4-5 foramen to those of C3-4, C5-6 and C6-7 foramina of the same side in the whole study population as well as in male and female patients.Results:In the whole study population at C4-5 intervertebral foramen the mean foraminal height was 8.37 ± 1.3 mm on the right and 8.85 ± 1.16 mm on the left; and the mean foraminal transverse diameter on the right was 4.97 ± 1.35 mm and 5.14 ± 1.16 mm on the left. No statistically significant difference was found between the measurements in the whole study population at various levels, between or within male and female patient groups.Conclusion:C4-5 intervertebral foramen is not uniformly smaller in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Blood flow for bone remodelling correlates with locomotion in living and extinct birds.

Nutrient arteries enter limb bones through discrete foramina on the shafts. They are required for bone remodelling in response to mechanical loading and dynamic forces imposed by locomotion. The cross-sectional area of the nutrient foramen of the femur represents an index of blood flow rate to the shaft and thus provides insight into the animal's level of activity. Morphometric data on femoral length, mass and foramen size from 100 extant bird species and eight extinct moa species were analysed allometrically and phylogenetically. The nutrient foramen blood flow index (Qi) and femur mass (Mf) increase with body mass (Mb). At 1 kg body mass, cursorial species have approximately 2.1 times higher Qi and 1.9 times heavier Mf than volant species. The scaling of Qi on Mf is independent of the primary mode of locomotion, but the ratio Qi/Mf decreases significantly in larger birds, although absolute Qi increases. The overall avian equation for Qi on Mb is not significantly different from previous data from mammals, but when differences in blood pressure are accounted for, estimated blood flow to the femur is approximately 1.9 times higher in cursorial birds than in mammals, possibly in relation to bipedalism and quadrupedalism, respectively. Femoral bone blood flow in both endothermic groups is estimated to be 50-100 times higher than in ectothermic reptiles.

The Enigma of the Mental Foramen as It Relates to Plastic Surgery

The mental foramen position changes because of individual characteristics, and the knowledge of its location is paramount in a number of surgical procedures. This study's goal was to assess its position in relation to dentition and its symmetry in a Brazilian population. One hundred ninety-one dried jaws were divided in 3 groups according to the presence or absence of dentition and bone resorption in the foramen region. Standardized measurements of the distance between the foramen and anatomical references were made to establish its position and symmetry. The majority of the specimens studied belonged to white (74%) male (72%) individuals. The foramen most frequent position, using the teeth as reference, was between the premolars for both sexes (males, 41%; females, 60.3%). Most of the mandibles (56%) did not present symmetry between the right and left sides. Accessory foramina were found in 13.6% of jaws. The most frequent position of the mental foramen was between the premolars (position III of Tebo and Telford [Anat Rec 1950;107:61-66]), and they were predominantly asymmetric. The group with no teeth in the mental foramen area showed a reduction of the distance between the alveolar margin of the jaw and the mental foramen.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the atlas in a female adult.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an infrequent disorder complex. It is a disease of myeloid dendritic cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages mixed with eosinophils and neutrophils [1]. The accumulation of these cells causes the classic lytic bone lesions, skin rashes, lymphadenopathy, and organ dysfunction. Langerhaus cell histocytosis occurs at all ages from infancy up to senility with the peak incidence between 2 and 4 years of age. The male/female ratio is about 3.7: 1 [2]. We have recently treated a case of LCH of the atlas in a female adult, which may be the first case of atlas LCH in a female adult reported in the English literature. A 26-year-old woman complained of headache for 10 years, with aggravation for 3 months. No neurological deficits were observed, and no significant medical history or family history was reported. Physical examination demonstrated obvious restriction of the neck motion without neurological deficit or torticollis. Computed tomography (CT) examination confirmed a sharply osteolytic lesion of the right posterior lacerate foramen area. The atlas right lateral mass, anterior arch and squamous part of occipital bone had been eroded with attenuation. The gap between the atlas and dentate was enlarged. The tumor mass had a similar density as soft tissue such as muscles in a plain CT scan; however, after enhancement, the tumor mass density overall increased obviously, but not very uniformly. On magnetic resonsnce imaging MRI, the soft tissue mass was isointense on T1, but it enhanced homogeneously after contrast administration (Fig. 1A–D). The patient underwent surgical treatment. Under general anesthesia a grey-red tumor of approximately 3.5 × 5.5 × 6 cm was completely removed from the atlas. The tumor had a tough texture with clear border and abundant blood supply. Fig. 1 A) CT scan shows an osteolytic lesion of the right posterior lacerate foramen area, and the lesion's radiological density was similar to muscles nearby; B) after enhancement, the tumor density overall increased obviously, but not very uniformly; C) shows ... Histopathologically, it was proven to be LCH. At higher magnification, the proliferating cells had indented and folded or grooved nuclei resembling coffee beans. Multinuclear giant cells were frequently seen. Eosinophils and neutrophils were admixed with the proliferating cells. The main cells were positive for S-100 protein (Fig. 1E and ​andFF). Skull and mandible are common regions of LCH involvement, and there have been very few published cases describing Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the atlas. On radiological examination, sharply demarcated punch-out osteolytic lesions in bones are characteristic. Final LCH diagnosis is possible based only on histopathology. They are usually 10–15 µm in size with characteristically folded or multilobular nuclei with typical grooves. Langerhans cells are mixed with inflammatory cells, predominantly acidophilic granulocytes. A reliable immunological marker is S-100 protein, while CD1α is usually positive too. Treatment options include surgical excision and curettage of isolated or limited bone disease. External beam radiation with local doses ranging from 2.5 Gy to 120 Gy (usually 5–20 Gy) has also been used. Chemotherapy has been used with good success for disseminated or recalcitrant disease. Overall prognosis is good with survival rates greater than 90% in patients having limited organ involvement [3]. In our case, the delitescence of the course of disease was more than 10 years, and it showed a slow process of growth of LCH and a benign nature. After one year of follow-up, there is no evidence of recurrence.

In Vivo Measurement of Lumbar Foramen During Axial Loading Using a Compression Device and Computed Tomography

In vivo measurement of lumbar foramen using computed tomography and an axial loading device in healthy young subjects. To investigate the effects of axial loading on the morphology of the lumbar foramen in vivo. In vitro studies have shown morphologic changes in the lumbar foramen in response to axial loading. The effects of axial loading on foraminal dimensions in vivo, however, are poorly understood. The study population consisted of 12 asymptomatic healthy young volunteers [6 men and 6 women; age range, 22-34 y (mean, 27 y)]. Lumbar computed tomography images were compared with and without axial loading using a compression device (DynaWell), and differences in disk height (DH), foraminal height (FH), foraminal width (FW), and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the intervertebral foramen (IVF) were determined. During axial loading, the FHs at L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, and L4/L5 each decreased significantly (P<0.01 each), by 4.0%, 6.6%, 6.6%, and 5.1%, respectively. Maximum FW decreased significantly (P<0.05 each) at L2/L3 (7.2%) and L3/L4 (5.7%), and increased significantly (P<0.05) at L5/S1 (8.9%). The CSAs of the IVF decreased significantly (P<0.01 each) at L2/L3 (10.8%) and L3/L4 (10.7%) and increased significantly (P<0.01) at L5/S1 (23.3%). Changes in FH, maximum and minimum FW, and CSA of the IVF significantly (P<0.01) correlated with change in posterior DH. FH, FW, and CSA of the IVF, except for L5/S1, decreased significantly during axial loading. Changes in posterior DH correlated well with the changes in foraminal dimensions.

A simple nonlinear model for estimating obturator foramen area in young bovines

The aim of this study was to produce a simple and inexpensive technique for estimating the obturator foramen area (OFA) from young calves based on the hypothesis that OFA can be extrapolated from simple linear measurements. Three linear measurements - dorsoventral height, craneocaudal width and total perimeter of obturator foramen - were obtained from 55 bovine hemicoxae. Different algorithms for determining OFA were then produced with a regression analysis (curve fitting) and statistical analysis software. The most simple equation was OFA (mm ) = (3,150.538 + (36.111*CW)) � (147,856.033/DH) (where CW = craneocaudal width and DH = dorsoventral height, both in mm), representing a good nonlinear model with a standard deviation of error for the estimate of 232.44 and a coefficient of multiple determination of 0.846. This formula may be helpful as a repeatable and easily performed estimation of the obturator foramen area in young bovines. The area of the obturator foramen magnum can thus be estimated using this regression formula.

Morphometric study of jugular foramen in Tamil Nadu region

Abstract Background and aims: Jugular foramen is an important foramen transmiting a number of structures at the base of the skull. Various tumours and infiltrating inflammatory processes are associated with this foramen. Hence, present study was taken up to study morphometry of the jugular foramen in human skulls in Tamil Nadu region. Material and methods: A total number of 60 jugular foramina were examined from 30 adult dry skulls of unknown age and sex. Measurements were taken using Vernier Calipers. Results were analysed statistically. Results: The length, width and area of jugular foramen of right side were compared with left side. Predominance of one of the two foramina was found in 86.6% (26): Predominance on right was 76.6% (23) and on left was 10% (3).The presence of partial septum was found around 73.3% on right side and 80% on left side respectively. Dome was present only 26.6% on right side and 3.33% on left side but in 70% of skulls it was present bilaterally. Conclusion: The morphometric variations in the skulls of Tamil Nadu region are probably ethnic and racial. The metric information is of use to the neurosurgeons dealing with the region.

Morphometric analysis of the mental foramen in a Turkish population based on multi-slice computed tomography

Purpose : The aim of this study was to determine the location, orientation, shape, appearance, and area of the mental foramen (MF), as seen on CT images, and to compare our findings with international values. Materials and Methods : CT records were randomly selected from the collection of 550 Turkish patients and were evaluated morphometric analysis of the MF. Results : The most common anterior-posterior position of the MF was bilaterally symmetrical and located on the same vertical line with the long axis of the lower second premolar. The majority of foramina were round in shape, and the most frequent appearance was the continuous type. The most frequent (76%) superior-inferior position was situated below the level of the apices of mandibular premolar roots. Conclusions : The results of this study may assist surgeons to localize important maxillofacial neurovascular bundles passing through the MF in avoiding complication from local anesthetic, surgical, and other invasive procedures.

Foramen of civinini: a new anatomical guide for maxillofacial surgeons.

Study on Morphometric and radiological aspect on existence of foramen of civinini. Sphenoid bone comprises of some rare ossified ligaments, may encounter difficulty in surgical procedures. Incidence of Pterygospinous bars various with different racial groups and they are genetically controlled. Complete ossification of pterygospinous ligament form foramen of civinini. Entrapments of vessels or nerves may occur due to existence of pterygospinous bar. The bar may locate medially or inferiorly to formen ovale as seen in Hawaiian and lemurs. Co - existence of bar with the wide lateral pterygoid plate exhibits development of the bar from herbivore, carnivore and old world monkeys. Comparatively absence or small spine of civinini noted in new world monkeys, rodents and platyrrhines. Pterygospinousbar represents the phylogenetic remnant of Human beings. By using digital vernier caliper, the measurements of length, width of the pterygospinous bar and area of foramen of civinini including the length and breadth of lateral pterygoid plate were measured. Using X rays the radiological view was determined. In this study from 160 cases of skull and sphenoid bones revealed that complete and incomplete foramen of civinini in 1.25% and 7.5% of cases respectively. Peculiarly accessory foramen of civinini noticed in 1.25% of cases. Maximum area of foramen of civinini was 94.2mm(2). The maximum width of lateral pterygoid was noted as 19.6mm respectively. Mentocoronal view of skiagram clearly shows the bar. During Anaesthesia for trigeminal neuralgia may encounter difficult to pass the needle. The bar compress the mandibular nerve branches can cause lingual numbness, pain and speech impairment. Conductive anaesthesia on the mandibular nerve through the lateral subzygomatic route may be difficult to approach. Exploring the anatomical and clinical updates of pterygospinous bar may guide the surgeons and radiologists to overcome any difficulties in infratemporal and para or retropharyngeal regions.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the palate: a case report

Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is found in approximately 10% of all salivary gland tumors. It is the most common malignant tumor of sub-mandibular salivary gland and also of minor salivary glands. Palate is the most common location, that too mostly in the area of the greater palatine foramen. One of the features of ACC is its slow growth rate & thus it is often present in the patient’s mouth for several years before manifesting with symptoms. A 32 year old man reported with a swelling on the right side of palate since one and a half years which was diagnosed histopathologically as ACC. A detailed description of the case along with review of literature is presented here with emphasis to focus on the importance of detailed investigations, histo-pathological evaluation and post-operative rehabilitation as in the present case.

Evaluation of Obturator Foramen Suggests No Differences Between Sexes in Young Bovines

Among the numerous bovine pelvic traits displaying sex differences, no detailed studies of bovine obturator foramen are available in the veterinary literature. The purpose of this work was to study quantitatively this structure using lineal biometrics, shape indexes and Fourier analysis. The material consisted of 60 hemicoxae belonging to young bovines of approximately 1year of age. Although significant differences were found in area, perimeter and length of obturator foramen, none of the analyses used were able to differentiate between sexes and thus cannot be used as a natural trait for determining sex, at least in young bovines.

The Incidence of Invasion and Metastasis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma at Different Anatomic Sites in the Skull Base

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of direct invasion and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) at different anatomic sites in the skull base using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI data from 101 NPC patients with skull base invasion were collected and we analyzed the incidence and anatomic sites of invasion of NPC in the skull base. Of the 101 NPC patients, 84 had direct invasion at the skull base (83.2%), and 17 had skull base metastasis (16.8%). Affected sites with direct invasion in the skull base included sphenoid sinus and sella base, cavernous sinus, internal carotid canal, and clivus blumenbachii. Skull base metastasis sites included the internal carotid canal and jugular foramen area. Because of early lymphatic metastasis of NPC to the skull base, MRI examination can be helpful in increasing the accuracy of diagnostic imaging for skull base invasion of NPC and selecting appropriate target sites, radiotherapy techniques, and operative approaches.

Intraoperative fluoroscopy in percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation based on anatomic measurement and digital reconstructed CT data

Objective To explore the intraoperative fluoroscopy in percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation based on anatomic measurement and digital reconstructed CT data. Methods The CT data of the pelvis at prostration were collected for 3D reconstruction of the pelvic models from 30 patients with injury to the pelvis or acetabulum.Then the anatomical boundaries of the safe zone of sacroiliac screw insertion were marked on the 3D models,including the upper,front and back cortex boundaries of S1 vertebra,the front and bottom cortex boundaries of sacral foramen area,and the sacral alar slope. The angles between these anatomical boundaries and the pelvic baseline were measured on the sagittal plane.The digital reconstructed radiology (DRR) was applied to form the inlet,outlet and lateral images of fluoroscopy.The standard protocol to acquire accurate intraoperative images was analyzed by characterization of important anatomic landmarks.Results The angles between the upper,front and back cortex boundaries of S1 vertebra and the baseline (αl,α2,α3) were respectively 37.7°± 8.6°(from 23.2°to 50.8°),22.9° ± 6.7° (from 13.1° to 32.0°),41.9°± 6.8° (from 33.0°to 54.8°).The angles between the front and bottom cortex boundaries of sacral foramen area and the baseline (α4,α5) were 37.0°± 12.0° (from 19.9° to 63.1°) and 38.8°± 8.0° (from 25.7°to 54.6°).The angle between the alar slope and the baseline (α6) was 82.4°± 13.0°(from 70.3°to117.3°).The characteristic manifestations of important anatomic landmarks were observed in the simulated fluoroscopy images. Conclusions It is recommended that the projecting angles in the inlet and outlet views should be decided according to the specific data of each patient.Because the alar slope can not be clearly identified in the outlet view due to its large inclination,the position of screw insertion should be verified in the lateral view to prevent the screw from penetrating the slope to hurt the L5 nerve and iliac vessels. Key words: Bone nails; Pelvis; Tomography, X-ray computed; Image processing, computer-assisted; Sacroiliac joint

Detection and characterization of the mandibular accessory buccal foramen using CT

To investigate the frequency and characteristics of the mandibular accessory buccal foramen (ABF) with CT. A retrospective study was carried out using the CT records of 504 patients referred to the Erciyes University Medical School (Kayseri, Turkey) between 2007 and 2010. Presence, location, diameter, area and number of ABFs and their continuity with mandibular canal and distance to the mental foramen were evaluated using axial, sagittal and three-dimensional CT images. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS® v. 15 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL), and t-tests were used for statistical analysis. 14 ABFs were observed in 10 (2%) of 504 patients. The frequency of ABFs was found to be 2.6% in males and 1% in females. The mean distance between the ABF and the mental foramen was 5.0 mm [standard deviation (SD) ± 2.48]. The mean long axis of the ABFs was 1.4 mm (SD ± 0.4) and the mean area of them was 1.5 mm(2) (SD ± 0.8). The mean area of the mental foramen on the side with the ABF was 4.1 mm(2) (SD ± 2.71). This study presents a relatively lower frequency of ABFs than that in the literature. These foramina could have more complex neurovascular structures than was previously thought. Thus, in special cases where a direct surgical exploration during the planned surgery is not indicated, CT or cone beam CT examination to determine the possible presence of ABFs may be indicated.

Change of radiological parameters after interspinous implantation (X-stop®) in degenerative spinal stenosis

This study was intended to objectively demonstrate the effect of interspinous implantation through preoperative and postoperative radiological analyses in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. This study included 20 segments of 14 cases that had been diagnosed as spinal stenosis through physical and radiological findings and had interspinous implantation (X-stop(®)). On simple radiography, height and width of the intervertebral foramen, height of the anterior and posterior intervertebral disks, and interbody angle were measured. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the intervertebral foramen and intradural areas were also measured. Changes in preoperative and postoperative measurements were compared, and correlation between radiological indicators was identified. Clinical evaluation was done using visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores. The relationship between the clinical outcomes and radiological changes was also evaluated. The comparison of preoperative and postoperative radiological measurements showed significant changes in height and width of the intervertebral foramen, and interbody angle on simple radiography, and in height of the intervertebral foramen on MRI. Regarding correlation between radiological indicators, there was correlation between height of the intervertebral foramen on simple radiography and area of the intervertebral foramen on MRI, and between the intervertebral foramen and intradural areas on MRI. For correlation between the clinical improvement level and the changes in radiological parameters, VAS correlated with intervertebral foramen height on simple radiography and increased area of the intervertebral foramen on MRI. However, for ODI, there was no factor showing significant correlation. In patients with degenerative spinal stenosis showing neurogenic claudication, interspinous implantation was more effective in increasing the height and area of the intervertebral foramen than in increasing intradural area, and the short-term clinical results were promising.

Obturator Foramen Dissection for Excision of Symptomatic Transobturator Mesh

Groin pain after transobturator synthetic mesh placement can be recalcitrant to conservative therapy and ultimately requires surgical excision. We describe our experiences with and technique of obturator foramen dissection for mesh excision. The records of 8 patients treated from 2005 to 2010, were reviewed. Obturator dissection was performed via a lateral groin incision over the inferior pubic ramus at the level of the obturator foramen, typically in conjunction with orthopedic surgery. Five patients had transobturator mid urethral sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence, 2 had mid urethral sling and trocar based anterior vaginal wall mesh kits with transobturator passage of mesh arms for stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, and 1 had an anterior vaginal wall mesh kit for pelvic organ prolapse. Patients had 0 to 2 prior transvaginal mesh excisions before obturator surgery. All patients presented with intractable pain in the area of the obturator foramen and/or medial groin for which conservative treatment measures had failed. Six patients underwent concurrent vaginal and obturator dissection and 2 underwent obturator dissection alone. In all cases residual mesh (3 to 11 cm) was identified and excised from the obturator foramen. Mesh was closely associated to or traversing the adductor longus muscle and tendon with significant fibrous reaction in all cases. Postoperatively 5 patients were cured of pain and/or infection, and 3 reported no or some improvement at a mean followup of 6 months (range 1 to 12). Our experience suggests that surgical excision of residual mesh can alleviate many of the symptoms in many patients. In all cases mesh remnants were identified and removed, and typically involved neuromuscular structures adjacent to the obturator foramen.

Effect of Acupuncture on Perception Threshold: A Randomised Controlled Trial

To determine the current perception thresholds (CPTs) for arm and mental foramen areas to enable a quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment. Ninety-eight volunteers enrolled as participants and were randomly assigned to one of three groups: an acupuncture group (34 subjects); a sham acupuncture group (32 subjects) and a waiting group (32 subjects). CPTs for the arm and mental foramen areas were determined before and after acupuncture at LI4 Hegu of the left hand. A Neurometer CPT was used to evaluate the perception threshold at the homolateral mental foramen and arm. For further exploration, thresholds of homolateral and contralateral mental foramina were determined before and after acupuncture in a subgroup of 13 participants in the acupuncture group. Acupuncture at LI4 increased the perception thresholds of the left mental foramen in the acupuncture group significantly (p<0.01). The increases were significantly greater than in the control group for all frequencies, and significantly greater than sham acupuncture for 250 Hz and 5 Hz. In the subgroup, only the CPTs at 5 Hz increased significantly for the contralateral mental foramen. Acupuncture at LI4 increases the perception threshold in the mandibular area, but not in the arm. This finding is probably related to the analgesic effect of acupuncture.

Intraoral Lipoma: A Rare Placement in Mental Foramen Area

ABSTRACTLipomas are the most common benign soft tissue tumors. They are usually surrounded by a thin fibrous capsule and composed of mature fat cells. Approximately 15 to 20% of cases occur in the head and neck region and only 1 to 4% occur in the oral cavity . The most common anatomic site in the oral cavity has frequently been reported as the buccal mucosa, followed by floor of the mouth, tongue and lower lip mucosa. They present as painless, well circumscribed, soft or firm, slow growing submucosal mass. Heredity, fatty tissue degeneration, hormonal imbalance, trauma, infection and chronic irritation have been proposed as etiological agents for lipomas; their etiology remains unknown.How to cite this articleFindik Y, Baykul T, Kökdere NN. Intraoral Lipoma: A Rare Placement in Mental Foramen Area. Int J Exper Dent Sci 2012;1(1):51-53.