Study of the superior alveolar canals and infraorbital canal using cone beam computed tomography

Author(s)

Laura Ferreira Pinheiro Nicolielo

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Bauru.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB/SDB)
• Defense date: 2013-08-23

Examining board members

Izabel Regina Fischer Rubira de Bullen; Christiano de Oliveira Santos; Paulo Sergio da Silva Santos

• Advisor: Izabel Regina Fischer Rubira de Bullen

Abstract

To provide more information to clinicians in planning maxillofacial surgical interventions, the present study evaluated the presence, location and size of the superior alveolar canals (SAC), anterior (ASAC) and posterior (PSAC), infraorbital canal (IC) and infra-orbital foramen (IF) in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of 100 adult patients (&#x2265; 20 years old), obtained by i-CAT Classic®. One calibrated examiner observed SAC, IC and IF presence, bilaterally. When present, were measured: length (descending part, orbital floor part and total), width and height of the IC, height, width and distance from the IF to the inferior orbital rim (IOR), distance from the lower border of SAC to the alveolar crest in 5 regions: canine (CAN), first premolar (1PM), second premolar (2PM), first molar (1M) and second molar (2M); and the diameters of SAC. It was also observed the location of SAC in relation to the maxillary sinus floor and the presence of anatomical landmarks such as doble/multiple canal, intraosseous anastomosis and ASAC extension to the piriform aperture. Associations between men and women, right and left sides and regions were investigated for all measurements and presence using statistical methods separately. The presence of the IC and IF was 100%. The presence of ASAC/PSAC was: 99%/0% (CAN), 99%/21% (1PM), 89%/41% (2PM), 46%/44% (1M) e 7%/61% (2M). The mean lengths of the IC descending part, IC orbital floor part and total lenght of the IC were 8.82mm, 19.44mm and 28.35mm, respectively. The mean height and width of the IC were, respectively, 2.08mm and 3.91mm. The mean height, width and distance to the IOR of IF were: 4.43mm, 5.18mm and 7.52mm, respectively. The mean distances of ASAC to the alveolar crest were: 18.54mm (CAN), 25.47mm (1PM), 28.43mm (2PM), 30.78mm (1M) and 33.21mm (2M); and of PSAC: 22.3mm (1PM), 17.65mm (2PM) 15.34mm (1M) and 16.87mm (2M). The mean diameters of ASAC and PSAC were 0.90mm and 0.83mm, respectively, and that, 77.5% of ASAC and 82% of PSAC were &#x2264; 1mm and 22.5% of ASAC and 18% of PSAC were between 1-2 mm. In relation to the maxillary sinus, 53% e 44% of the ASAC were found in the upper and middle third of maxillary sinuses, respectively, and 64% and 36% of the PSAC were found in lower and middle third, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between men and women for the length, height and width of the IC, for the height, width and distance to the IOR of IF, and for distances of SAC to the alveolar crest. Double ASAC, intraosseous anastomosis and ASAC extension to the piriform aperture were present in: 24.5%, 38.5% and 84% of the cases, respectively. The location of the anastomosis had more incidence between the CAN and 1PM (43%). The results suggest that CBCT is a suitable tool to evaluate the SAC, IC and IF, assisting surgeons in planning surgical procedures of the midface, in order to avoid damage to important neurovascular structures. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/14023-7 - Study of superior alveolar canals and infraorbital canal through Cone Beam Computed Tomography.
• Grantee: Laura Ferreira Pinheiro Nicolielo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master