Morphometric study on the infraorbital foramen in relation to sex and side of the cranium in northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Detailed knowledge of the possible anatomical and morphometric variations of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) is important for ensuring safe and successful regional anesthesia, and for avoiding iatrogenic nerve injuries during surgery on the middle third of the face. To conduct a morphometric study on the IOF, correlating this with sex and side of the cranium. Two hundred forty-two crania were used (148 male and 94 female). Measurements were made with the aid of digital calipers with precision to 0.01 mm. Presence of foramina and their multiplicity was also observed. The data were analyzed descriptively and analytically. Statistical significance was stipulated as 5% (P≤0.05). The IOF was found bilaterally in all the crania, and 26 of them presented multiplicity. The distance from the IOF to the anterior nasal spine was greater in males on both sides (P<0.001). Statistical differences between the sexes were also seen in relation to the following morphometric variables: height of the left IOF (P=0.007), width of the right IOF (P=0.004), and width of the left IOF (P=0.008), and the measurements were also larger among males. The IOF was present in all the crania and on both sides. It was morphometrically larger in males, on both sides.

Morphometric Analysis of the Infraorbital Foramen: The Clinical Relevance

“…These finding are in agreement with those reported in previous studies [11, 12, 24]. However, contrary to these findings, Agthong et al [6] and Cisneiros de Oliveira et al [15] reported that the values observed for the distance from the IOF to ANS varied significantly between the sexes and sides of the crania.…”

“…The mean distances of the IOF-IOM in the present study, 6.52 ± 2.03 mm and 7.30 ± 1.57 mm on the right and left sides, respectively, are comparatively similar to those reported by Boopathi et al [14] and Gupta [22] in Indian populations but higher values have been reported in other studies [3, 5, 9, 13, 15]. …”

“…The present study demonstrates differences in the distances of the IOF-IOM, IOF-ANS, and IOF-Na in relation to gender endorsing findings of previous studies which have reported greater dimensions in males compared to females [3, 5, 6, 13, 15]. Further, these differences have been reported to be statistically significant in some previous studies [5, 6, 13] while others have reported the differences to be not significant [3].…”

The Infraorbital Foramen in a Sample of the Lebanese Population: A Radiographic Study

“…The IOF is an important structure in the maxillofacial area where the infraorbital artery and nerve pass. These structures supply various areas in the face [12]. The foramina demonstrate morphologic variations between different populations [13].…”

“…The foramina demonstrate morphologic variations between different populations [13]. Thus, it is essential for surgeons and anesthesiologists to have exact knowledge of the location of the IOF before any procedure [12]. Various anatomic landmarks are used in several studies to identify its location and help surgeons in reconstructive and orthognathic surgeries, as well as while performing a nerve block [11].…”