Anthropometric Analysis of Facial Foramina in Korean Population: A Three-Dimensional Computed Tomographic Study

Abstract

BackgroundPosition of the facial foramina is important for regional block and for various maxillofacial surgical procedures. In this study, we report on anthropometry and morphology of these foramina using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) data.MethodsA retrospective review was performed for all patients who have undergone 3D-CT scan of the facial skeleton for reasons other than fracture or deformity of the facial skeleton. Anthropometry of the supraorbital, infraorbital, and mental foramina (SOF, IOF, MF) were described in relation to facial midline, inferior orbital margin, and inferior mandibular margin (FM, IOM, IMM). This data was analyzed according to sex and age. Additionally, infraorbital and mental foramen were classified into 5 positions based on the anatomic relationships to the nearest perpendicular dentition.ResultsThe review identified 137 patients meeting study criteria. Supraorbital foramina was more often in the shape of a foramen (62%) than that of a notch (38%). The supraorbital, infraorbital, and mental foramina were located 33.7 mm, 37.1 mm, and 33.7 mm away from the midline. The mean vertical distance between IOF and IOM was 13.4 mm. The mean distance between MF and IMM was 21.0 mm. The IOF and MF most commonly coincided with upper and lower second premolar dentition, respectively. Between the sex, the distance between MF and IMM was significantly higher for males than for female. In a correlation analysis, SOF-FM, IOF-FM and MF-FM values were significantly increased with age, but IOF-IOM values were significantly decreased with age.ConclusionIn the current study, we have reported anthropometric data concerning facial foramina in the Korean population, using a large-scale data analysis of three-dimensional computed tomography of facial skeletons. The correlations made respect to patient sex and age will provide help to operating surgeons when considering nerve blocks and periosteal dissections around the facial foramina.

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

“…The infraorbital foramen (IOF) is present on the maxillary bone. The infraorbital nerve, vein, and artery pass through this foramen [1].…”

“…The infraorbital nerve is an essential facial sensory nerve. It originates from the trigeminal ganglion, passes through the facial skeleton, and exits through the infraorbital foramen [1]. It is responsible for sensation in the upper cheek, the inferior eyelid, part of the nose, the upper lip, the maxillary sinus, and some of the maxillary teeth [2].…”

Natural variations in the appearance and the positions of the mental foramen in a selected population of Karachi (Pakistan).

“…43 Among Korean population MF is coincided most commonly with the lower 2 nd premolar. 44 According to another study, the most commonly found appearance of MF was the continuous type with respect to the mandibular canal. The most frequent superior-inferior position is, below the level of the apices of the premolar.…”

The relative locations of the supraorbital, infraorbital, and mental foramina: A cadaveric study

“…The current literature suggests there is sufficient variability between previous publications to warrant a thorough investigation of the SONF, IOF, and MF (Agthong et al, 2005). Even more importantly, there is evidence to suggest there are ethnic variations in the location of the facial foramina (Agthong et al, 2005; Chung et al, 1995; Gupta, 2008; Lim et al, 2016; Zhang et al,l.,l.,l., 2019). Previous reports suggest that race and ethnicity may influence the position of the SONF, IOF, and MF; thus, the current surgical guideline may be specific to certain races and ethnicities.…”

“…A study of dried skulls of a North‐West Indian population stated that in 80% of the skulls the SONF, IOF, and MF were on the same vertical plane (Gupta, 2008). However, studies analyzing these same foramina in Korean and Sri Lankan populations found that for a majority of subjects studied each foramen was not equidistant from the median plane (Agthong et al, 2005; Chung et al, 1995; Gupta, 2008; Lim et al, 2016). It should be noted that only 38.1% of the Korean sample and 7% of the Sri Lankan sample had SONF, IOF, and MF equidistant from the midline (Chung et al, 1995; Nanayakkara et al, 2016).…”