Topography of the Greater Palatine Foramen in North Indian Population: Key to Successful Maxillary Nerve Block.

Dr. Swati Tiwari; Dr. Shilpi Agarwal; Dr. Neelam Vasudeva

Volume : VI, Issue : XII, December - 2017

Topography of the Greater Palatine Foramen in North Indian Population: Key to Successful Maxillary Nerve Block.

Dr. Swati Tiwari, Dr. Shilpi Agarwal, Dr. Neelam Vasudeva

Abstract :

Knowledge of anatomy of the Greater Palatine Foramen (GPF) is important as regards maxillary nerve block for various dental and craniomaxillofacial surgeries. This study analyzed the topography of the GPF with respect to well established bony landmarks. 110 dry skulls of North Indian origin were studied using direct measurements and computerized image analysis and statistical analysis. The values were compared with other studies on skulls of different ethnical origins.

The GPF was situated opposite the 3^rd maxillary molar in 70.83% cases. The direction of opening on to hard palate was mostly anteromedial. The mean distances of the GPF from the mid sagittal plane (MSP), incisive foramen (IF) and the posterior border of hard palate were 14.17mm, 34.26 mm and 4.3 mm, respectively. The mean angle between the MSP and the line joining GPF and IF was 22.45�.

This study would serve as a guide to the clinicians in localizing the GPF with greater accuracy and improve the success rate of maxillary nerve blocks.