Alveolar Branches of Canalis Sinuosus: A Radiographic and Morphometric Assessment by Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Background: Evaluation of the alveolar branches of canalis sinuosus (ABCS) to analyze its features and whether it is a variation or an anatomical structure. Methods: ABCS was assessed retrospectively from the ramification site to the end of its trajectory by cone beam computed tomography, considering gender, age, and the voxel size of the images. Descriptive analysis, Pearson Chi-square, Fisher’s exact and Mann-Whitney-U tests, and Spearman’s correlation were used in statistics. Results: 167 ABCS were identified in 82 (72.6%) of 113 individuals and the incidence of ABCS wider than 1mm was 32.7% per individuals. Presence or number of ABCS was independent of age and gender (P˃.05). Ramification site of ABCS from the main canal was 96.4% below the nasal cavity floor and mostly at the level of central incisors (46.1%). A significant correlation was defined between the origin and the end of ABCS trajectory (P<.000). The end of ABCS trajectory as facio-palatal was 44.9% buccal, then 35.9% palatal surface of the bone. Voxel sizes of images was negatively correlated with ABCS presence (P≤.013) and ABCS number per individual (P≤.002). Conclusions: ABCS is more likely to be an anatomical structure than an anatomical variation, but many are less than 1mm in diameter and the voxel size is important for radiographic observation.