Abstract:

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the location and morphology of Infraorbital foramen (IOF) which is useful in guiding the surgeons while performing regional nerve blocks.

Materials and method: 125 adult skulls of both sex (82 males and 43 females) irrespective of age was utilized for our study. The shape, orientation, location in relation with teeth and distance from infra orbital margin (IOM) and presence of accessory foramina were observed by direct inspection. The location of infra orbital foramen from IOM was measured by using the vernier caliper.

Results: The majority of IOF were oval shaped in male skulls (54.7%) and on left side (52.8%). The majority of IOF were directed inferomedially (65.8% in males; 67.8% in females) and on right side (68.6%). The majority of IOF were vertically oriented to 2nd premolar teeth (43% in both sexes and on both sides). The mean distance of infra orbital foramen from the infra orbital margin was 6.50mm. Accessory foramen were noticed in 9.6% skulls.

Conclusion: The results of our study may be considered while performing surgical procedures in relation to infra orbital foramen.

Keywords: Skull, infra orbital foramen (IOF), accessory infra orbital foramen (AF), infra orbital margin (IOM)