Anatomical and morphometric analysis of accessory infraorbital foramen

The aim of the present study was to analyze the anatomical and morphometric variation in shape, frequency of occurrence, direction, and position of accessory infraorbital foramen (AIOF) in relation to infraorbital foramen (IOF) in cadaveric dry skulls to minimize clinical complications and aid in surgical maneuvering in the maxillofacial region and implementing the regional block anesthesia. The IOF is an important anatomical landmark in these surgical manipulations. Because there is limited literature available on AIOF, which transmits accessory branch of the infraorbital nerve, the present study was designed. In the current study, 45 human dry skulls and 20 disarticulated maxillae have been used irrespective of sex. The other parameters included measuring the distance of AIOF from anterior nasal spine, frontomaxillary suture, infraorbital margin, IOF, and zygomaticomaxillary suture. The transverse and vertical diameter of foramen was also noted. All these measurements were taken using a digital caliper. The result of our study reveals that the presence of AIOF is more on the right side compared with the left side. Because the presence of accessory infraorbital nerve needs to be taken care of during maxillofacial surgical interventions, knowledge regarding the presence of AIOF should be taken into consideration for preoperative evaluation.