Morphometric Analysis of Infraorbital Foramen in South Indian Skulls

Abstract

The maxillae are paired bones in the face which forms the roof of the oral cavity, forms the upper jaw,and houses the teeth. The infraorbital foramen is an anatomical structure present bilaterally on the maxillary bone below the infraorbital margin which transmits infraorbital vessels and nerves. The infraorbital foramen is an opening by which the infra orbital canal giving passage to the infra orbital artery,vein and nerve and communicates with the face. The infraorbital foramen is a very important landmark for oral and maxillofacial surgery and local anaesthesia. The study of infra orbital foramen is significant in local anaesthesia procedures in maxillofacial surgeries and consequently in protection against procedural neurovascular injuries. The presence of accessory infra orbital foramen may be difficult during anesthetization of the region inter aged by infra orbital nerve. The aim is to study the morphometry of the infraorbital foramen with respect to nearby anatomical landmarks in different skulls of south indian population. Presence of accessory infraorbital foramen was very rare. Only 3 skulls had accessory infraorbital foramen. The parameters which were measured should be known to help in giving anaesthesia in a correct and proper position of a person.