ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENT OF INFRAORBITAL FORAMEN IN SOUTH-EAST AND SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA

Introduction: The study aimed to determine a more precise location of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) in relation to the piriform aperture (PA), infraorbital margin (IOM) and the anterior nasal spine(ANS) with the aim of improving the efficiency in clinical situations such as surgery and anesthetic procedures. Methods: A total of 130 skulls of unknown sex and age were used for the study; they were measured on both sides (right and left). With a vernier caliper the distances between the infraorbital foramen and the piriform aperture, infraorbital margin and anterior nasal spine were measured. The vertical orientation of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) with the upper teeth was also determined by direct visual inspection. Results: The mean distance and standard deviation (mean ± SD) between the right IOF and the PA, right IOM and ANS were 19.36±3.54mm, 6.94±2.57mm, and 30.02±3.55mm, respectively, and between the left IOF and the PA, left IOM and ANS were 18.27±2.94mm, 7.83±1.86mm, and 29.01±3.59mm, respectively.There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the parameters between the two sides. The majority of IOF were vertically oriented to the 2nd premolar teeth (46%). Conclusion: The results may provide guidance to the maxillofacial surgeons and anesthesiologists to localize infraorbital foramen and so contribute to better outcome of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.