Detailed Morphology of the Incisive or Nasopalatine Canal

Abstract

(1) Background: The nasopalatine canal (NPC), or the incisive canal (IC) of maxilla, unites the anterior nasal floor with the anterior palatine region. Different morphological variables of the NPC were investigated, indicating it is either anatomically variable or constant. It was therefore decided to perform an additional study of the NPC. (2) Methods: A retrospective cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) study was performed on 89 patient files: 38 males and 51 females. The study documented the presence or absence of a well-defined NPC, the number of openings, and the anatomic variables of the canal (number, course, and secondary canaliculi). (3) Results: the NPC/IC in the coronal plane was classified into five types: (I) NPC present with two superior, nasopalatine foramina (NPFs) (66.29%); (II) NPC absent with two NPFs (2.25%); (III) NPC present and single NPF (17.98%); (IV) NPC present with three NPFs (3.37%); (V) both absent NPC and NPF (10.11%). (4) Conclusions: The anatomical possibilities of the NPC are numerous and diverse; they include the absence of the canal. Therefore, a standardized description of this canal could not be assumed and a radiological assessment is recommended before surgical treatment in the premaxilla area.

Jugular bulb anatomical variations and pneumatization patterns: a comprehensive CBCT analysis

“…The scans were performed using a high-resolution iCat CBCT machine (Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, PA, USA), with the parameters set to a resolution of 0.250, a field of view of 130, and an image matrix of 640 × 640. Uncompressed DICOM files were the format for CBCT file exportation and were subsequently analyzed utilizing the Planmeca Romexis Viewer 3.5.0.R software, consistent with methodologies applied in prior studies [ 16 , 32 ]. The multiplanar reconstructions (MPRs) emphasized the coronal and axial anatomical planes, with the sagittal plane referenced for additional detail on the variations as required.…”

Assessment of the Nasopalatine Canal Length and Shape Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Morphometric Study

“…The maxilla specifically have multiple foramina and canals, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons have to be cautious while delivering local anesthesia to the area to reduce bleeding and performing different surgical procedures in these areas, such as dental implant placement, orthognathic surgeries involving maxilla, Le Fort I osteotomies, sinus surgeries, and assessment of perineural spread of malignant lesions in palate and occupying lesions (cyst and benign tumors) [1].…”

“…Nonetheless, maxillary atrophy post-extraction tends for NPC to enlarge up to 32%, occupying around 58% of maxillary alveolar bone width [3]. The nasopalatine canal is a vital structure to be evaluated in various surgical procedures planned in the premaxillary area, such as implant placement, evaluation and post-surgical assessment of pathologies involving the NPC (cyst, benign, and malignant lesions), and evaluation for pre-and post-bone augmentation [1][2][3][4][5][6][7].…”

“…Breaching these safe margins can lead to hemorrhage, neurosensory disturbances, and implant failure due to lack of osteointegration, and induce the formation of nasopalatine duct cyst [5]. Hence, various studies have been conducted to evaluate the nasopalatine canal region [1][2][3][4][5][6][7].…”

“…Studies using three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provide detailed three-dimensional information and have been used to evaluate the nasopalatine region based on various planes of the CBCT. Anatomical variations in the nasopalatine canal region pave the way for studies in different populations with varying methodologies [1,2]. The results of many studies are hard to compare due to the demographic data inconsistency in the population as well [3][4][5][6][7].…”