Anatomical Patterns of the Nasopalatine Canal and Incisive Foramen in an African Setting – a Cross-sectional Study
Year: 2021
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Purpose: Surgical procedures revolving around the anterior maxilla are of great interest due to their debilitating facial aesthetics and nerve injury effects if complications arise. Hence, sufficient knowledge concerning the morphology and morphometry of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) and incisive foramen (IF) is necessary to prevent such complications from arising. Materials and Methods: Measurements of the NPC and the IF were carried out on 150 CBCT scans. The maxillary bone thickness anterior to the NPC was measured at 3 levels. Independent t-test and chi-square test were performed to determine the presence of sexual dimorphism. Results: The presence of one Stenson’s foramen was most prevalent. The mean length of NPC was 13.21 ± 3.25 mm with significantly longer canals in males. The most prevalent shape of NPC was cylindrical in sagittal view and a single canal in coronal view. The mean angulation of NPC was 118.42° to the horizontal plane. The average dimensions of the IF were 3.53 mm and 3.07 mm in the anteroposterior and mediolateral diameter respectively while the most common shape was round. The anterior maxillary bone was thicker in males and generally reduced in thickness from the anterior nasal spine superiorly towards the alveolar crest inferiorly. Conclusion: This study highlights the anatomical characteristics of the NPC and IF, with significant sexual dimorphism observed regarding the number of Stenson’s foramina, length of NPC, shapes of the NPC and IF as well as alveolar bone thickness anterior to NPC.
Source: Research Square
Institutions: University of Nairobi, University of Malaya
Language: English
Subfield: Oral Surgery
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4200367403