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Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy
Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy 12/2017

01-12-2017 | Original article

Anatomical characteristics of greater palatine foramen: a novel point of view

Authors: Daniele Gibelli, Alessia Borlando, Claudia Dolci, Valentina Pucciarelli, Cristina Cattaneo, Chiarella Sforza

Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy | Issue 12/2017

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Abstract

Purpose

Anatomy of greater palatine foramen is important for maxillary nerve blocks, haemostatic procedures, and the treatment of neuralgia; although metrical data are available about its collocation, still several aspects need to be explored, such as the influence of the cranium size.

Methods

The position of greater palatine foramen was assessed on 100 skulls through six measurements (distances from intermaxillary suture, posterior palatal border, posterior nasal spine, and incisive foramen; palatal length; relative position on palatal length) and two angles (angles at incisive foramen and greater palatine foramen). Maximum cranial length, maximum cranial breadth, cranial height and bizygomatic breadth, horizontal cephalic index, and Giardina Y-index were evaluated. Possible differences according to sex and side were assessed through two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). Measurements showing sexual dimorphism were further assessed through one-way ANCOVA including cranial parameters as covariates (p < 0.05).

Results

Distances of the greater palatine foramen from intermaxillary suture, incisive foramen, posterior palatal border, posterior nasal spine, palatal length, and position of the greater palatine foramen on the palatal length were statistically different according to sex (p < 0.05), independently from general cranial dimensions but for the distance from the posterior palatal border. The angle at the incisive foramen and distances from intermaxillary suture and from posterior nasal spine showed statistically significant differences according to side (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Results highlight that most of sexually dimorphic measurements useful for pinpointing the greater palatal foramen do not depend upon the cranium size. A more complete metrical assessment of the localization of the greater palatine foramen was provided.
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Metadata
Title
Anatomical characteristics of greater palatine foramen: a novel point of view
Authors
Daniele Gibelli
Alessia Borlando
Claudia Dolci
Valentina Pucciarelli
Cristina Cattaneo
Chiarella Sforza
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
Springer Paris
Published in
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy / Issue 12/2017
Print ISSN: 0930-1038
Electronic ISSN: 1279-8517
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-017-1899-7

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