A Statistical Analysis of Superior Orbital Fissure Width in Korean Adults using Computed Tomography Scans

Abstract

BackgroundThe superior orbital fissure is a small area that connects the middle cranial fossa and the orbit. Many studies have measured the size of the superior orbital fissure. However, there is no standard value for the size of the superior orbital fissure. Therefore, we conducted this study to provide the average size of the superior orbital fissure in Korean adults.MethodsWe measured the widths of the superior orbital fissures of 142 patients using computed tomography scans. Because the width of the superior orbital fissure varies at different locations, we measured the superior orbital fissure width at the level of the optic canal.ResultsIn the males, the width of the superior orbital fissure on both sides was 3.79±0.93 mm, and these values were 3.79±0.96 mm for the left side and 3.783±0.92 mm for the right side. In the females, the widths of the superior orbital fissures were 3.62±1.35 mm on the left side, 3.69±1.18 mm on the right side, and 3.65±1.26 mm across both sides.ConclusionThere were no significant differences between the males and females or between the left and right sides. The present study suggests that we may accept the hypothesis that a congenitally narrow superior orbital fissure may be a risk factor for the superior orbital fissure syndrome. Surgeons should take precaution with patients who have narrow superior orbital fissures during the perioperative period.

Traumatic superior orbital fissure syndrome

“…The widths of the superior orbital fissures were 3.78±0.92 mm on the right (maximum, 6.53; minimum, 2.04), 3.79±0.96 mm on the left side (maximum, 6.98; minimum, 2.04) and 3.79±0.93 across both sides in male and 3.69±1.18 mm on the right (maximum, 6.67; minimum, 1.95), 3.62±1.34 mm on the left (maximum, 7.47; minimum, 1.35) and 3.65±1.26 mm across both sides in female patients. They suggested that a narrow superior orbital fissure may be a risk factor for the superior orbital fissure syndrome [ 8 ].…”

Revisiting anatomical structures of the superior orbital fissure using with interactive 3D-PDF model

“…They measured the distance of SOF from the substantia nigra as 38.4 ± 7.6 mm in men and 36.5 ± 6.1 mm in women. Park et al [18] also analyzed CT images of 142 patients and measured the width of the SOF. They found the width of the SOF 3.79 ± 0.93 mm in men and 3.65 ± 1.26 mm in women.…”