Anastomoses Between Infraorbital Artery and Ophthalmic Artery Within the Orbit

Abstract

Documentation of contributions from infraorbital artery to branches of the ophthalmic artery are lacking with respect to the orbit. While there have been sources that suggest anastomoses between the infraorbital artery and ophthalmic artery within the orbit, there has been no clear consensus on the location and significance of these anastomoses. This study aimed to identify and track the course of the infraorbital artery within the orbit and its possible anastomoses and supply to the orbit. Cadaveric analysis of 19 individuals (38 orbits) revealed a common pattern of anastomosis between the infraorbital and inferior palpebral arteries (95%; 89% bilaterally) as well as course to the lacrimal sac (91%; 73% bilaterally). These findings demonstrate the significance of infraorbital artery supply with respect to the inferior orbit as well as the lacrimal sac, which can prove clinically useful, such as in the context of surgical repair of orbital trauma.