Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2025
Author Spotlight: Development of a Novel Finite Element Analysis Model for Improved Orthognathic Surgical Techniques
Published on: October 20, 2023
Anatomical Variations of the Greater Palatine Foramen in Different Facial Skeletal Relationships and its Implications
R Soundarya Rachana1, T Srinivasa Prasad1, Anantanarayanan Parameswaran1
1Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600095 India.
Purpose:
To determine the positional variations of the greater palatine foramen in different facial skeletal relationships and discuss its surgical implications on the Trimble's modification of Lefort I osteotomy.
Materials And Methods:
This retrospective study examined 50 computed tomography scans of patients a total of 100 sides. The sample was divided into four groups: Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 malocclusion and Unilateral cleft lip and palate). The outcome variables included the distance between anterior, middle and posterior points of the GPF to the distal of second molar and variables to assess relative position of the GPF to the posterior maxilla. Outcome measures were to demonstrate intra- and intergroup variability.
Results:
Fifty patients (100 sides) were divided into four groups. This included 23 males and 27 females with a mean age of 24.1 years. Significant intergroup variability was observed between all the parameters that demonstrate the relative position of the GPF to (i) the maxillary second molar and (ii) the posterior maxilla. The analysis revealed that the GPF was positioned significantly anterior in Class 2 patients when compared with Class 3 patients.
Conclusion:
The GPF exhibits significant positional variability in different facial skeletal relationships which should be borne in mind while designing and performing the Trimble's modification of the Lefort 1 osteotomy.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
01:14Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
01:08Overview of the Skull
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...
01:22Sutures of the Skull
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...
01:14Muscles for Facial Expressions
01:26Bone Markings
Articulating Projections
Articulating projections are found where two bones meet to form a joint. These structures are usually found at the ends of bones. The largest articulation is a rounded projection called the head, supported by a narrow neck at the ends of...