Morphologic Analysis of Facial Foramina in Three Facial Types: A Study on Dry Skulls and CT-Scans

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To estimate the morphometric characteristics of the facial foramina in three facial types according to the upper facial index. Methods The study was conducted on fifty-two dry adult human skulls and 60 computed tomography. Based on the upper facial index all samples were divided into Euryene, Mesene, and Leptene types of face. The distance between middle facial line (MFL) and supraorbital foramen/supraorbital notch (SOF/SON), infraorbital foramen (IOF), and mental foramen (MF) were measured in all types and overall. Indications of the distances between the collateral facial foramina were obtained. In addition, the distances between SOF/SON and IOF, IOF and MF were estimated. The standard statistical analysis was performed. Results In overall, the mean distance SOF/SON-MFL was 19.6 ± 2.4 mm, IOF-MFL 21.9 ± 2.5 mm, and MF-MFL 21.6 ± 2.1 mm. The average distance between the collateral supraorbital foramina was 44.2 ± 6.4 mm, between the infraorbital foramina 47.9 ± 4.2 mm, and 43.6 ± 2.5 mm between the mental foramina, respectively. The distances supraorbital foramen-infraorbital foramen and infraorbital foramen-mental foramen in the present study was found to be 41.5 ± 3.2 mm and 61.2 ± 4.9 mm, respectively. Conclusion The data obtained may be particularly helpful while performing surgical operations, local anaesthesia, or aesthetic procedures in the projection of facial foramina.