Evaluation of infraorbital canal types and their relation with adjacent structures: A cone beam computed tomography study

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to analyze infraorbital canal (IOC) types in patients with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) records and to investigate the potential relationship between adjacent structure variations such as mucosal thickening, Haller cells, sinus septa, middle turbinate pneumatization (MTP) and IOC types. Methods: Bilateral evaluation of 197 CBCT records was conducted to assess mucosal thickening, Haller cells, sinus septa, middle turbinate pneumatization (MTP), and IOC types. IOC types were categorized into three classes based on their extent of protrusion into the maxillary sinus: type 1, entirely within the sinus roof; type 2, located below and adjacent to the sinus roof; and type 3, suspended from the sinus roof and descending into the sinus cavity. Results: The distribution of IOC types was as follows: 67.5% for type 1, 22.6% for type 2, and 9.9% for type 3. No significant correlation was observed between IOC types and MTP, mucosal thickening, or the presence of Haller cells. However, a significant relationship was noted between Type 3 IOC and the presence of septa. The occurrence of septa in the maxillary sinus was 8.3% for type 1 IOCs, 13.5% for type 2 IOCs, and 43.6% for type 3 IOCs (p