Investigating the relationship between infraorbital canal morphology and maxillary sinus size

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Anthropology
• Radiology

Background:

• The infraorbital nerve (ION) is crucial for facial sensation.
• Variations in the bony structures surrounding the ION, particularly the infraorbital canal (IOC) and infraorbital foramen (IOF), can impact surgical procedures.
• Maxillary sinus (MS) dimensions may influence these anatomical variations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between maxillary sinus dimensions and the bony structures of the infraorbital nerve pathway.
• To identify potential anatomical variations that could increase the risk of ION damage during medical interventions.

Main Methods:

• Computed tomographic (CT) scans of 87 adult crania from diverse ancestral groups were analyzed.
• Measurements included IOC type, IOF shape, distances within the ION pathway (FR-IOF, IOG-IOF), and MS dimensions (length, breadth, height).
• Statistical analyses included Chi-square, Analysis of Covariance, ordinal, and multinomial regression.

Main Results:

• A significant association was found between IOC type and IOF shape (p=.013), with oval IOFs and Type-I IOCs being most common.
• Ancestry and MS length significantly affected IOG-IOF distance (p<.001).
• MS length significantly influenced IOC type (p=.008), with longer MSs associated with Type-III IOCs protruding into the sinus.

Conclusions:

• Most individuals exhibit Type-I IOCs and oval IOFs, with variations largely independent of ancestry or sex.
• Antero-posteriorly longer maxillary sinuses are linked to Type-III IOCs, posing potential surgical risks.
• Understanding these anatomical relationships is vital for preventing ION damage during procedures involving the midface and maxillary sinuses.