DESCRIPTIVE AND TOPOGRAPHIC ANATOMY OF INFRAORBITAL FORAMEN AND ITS CLINICAL IMPLICATION IN NERVE BLOCK

Introduction: The aim of this study is to document the morphological and topographical anatomy of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) in relation to the infraorbital rim (IOR) and piriform opening of the nose which is necessary in clinical situations that requires regional nerve blocks. Methods: A total of 100 Indian dry adult human skulls of unknown age and gender were studied. In each skull the IOF’s location was measured with IOR and piriform opening of the nose as reference points. The transverse and vertical diameters of the foramen were also measured. The orientation of accompanying groove and any accessory foramen was noted. Results: Majority of infra-orbital foramina were directed inferomedially on both the right (53.53 percent) and left (53.12 percent) sides. The overall combined distance between the IOR and IOF was 2 to 12 (6.7 ± 1.67) mm, the combined distance between piriform aperture and IOF was 11 to 23 (17.4 ± 2.43) mm. The overall combined vertical diameter was 2 to 7 (4.3 ± 0.95) mm. The overall combined transverse diameter was 1 to 5 (3.6 ± 0.84) mm. Eleven (5.64 percent) accessory infraorbital foramina were found. Conclusion: Knowledge of the anatomical characteristics of IOF locations, diameters, directions and its accessory foramina may have important implications in blocking the infraorbital nerve for surgical and local anaesthetic planning.