Accessory infraorbital foramen location using cone-beam computed tomography.

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Radiology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Accessory infraorbital foramen (AIOF) can alter the typical pathways of the infraorbital nerve and associated blood vessels.
• Understanding AIOF variations is crucial for surgical procedures and accurate anatomical interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence, number, and anatomical position of Accessory infraorbital foramina (AIOF) relative to the infraorbital foramen (IOF).
• To analyze AIOF characteristics using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and assess potential correlations with demographic factors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 507 patient CBCT scans from January 2018 to August 2022.
• Evaluation of AIOF prevalence, number, position, diameter, and linear distance from the IOF.
• Statistical comparison of AIOF characteristics between sexes and sides using chi-square, independent t-tests, and Mann-Whitney tests.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of AIOF was 7.1% (36 out of 507 patients).
• AIOF most commonly presented as a single, unilateral foramen.
• The superomedial position relative to the IOF was the most frequent finding.
• No statistically significant associations were found between AIOF parameters and sex or side.

Conclusions:

• Accessory infraorbital foramina (AIOF) are present in a notable percentage of the population, typically as single, unilateral openings.
• The superomedial location is the most common anatomical variation of AIOF.
• No significant sex or side-based differences were observed in the assessed AIOF parameters.