Study of Varied Anatomy of Supraorbital Foramina Present Along the Supraorbital Margin Along With Clinical Implications.

Abstract

Supraorbital margin encompasses supraorbital notch, which is situated at the junction of medial 1/3rd and lateral 2/3rd of supraorbital margin. But sometimes supraorbital notch is converted into foramen known as supraorbital foramen by ossification of periosteal ligament. Supraorbital foramen/notch transmits supraorbital neurovascular bundle, which may be injured during maxilofacial surgeries creating complications. The aim of study is to highlight the incidence and location of supraorbital foramen along with clinical implications. Study was conducted in the department of Anatomy using 174 supraorbital margins of unknown age and sex. The number of supraorbital notches and foramina on supraorbital margins of both sides of skulls were observed by visual inspection. The position was noted and distances of these anatomic structures from midline and fronto-zygomatic sutures were measured using vernier callipers. Percentage, mean, SD, and P-values were calculated. The supraorbital notch was observed in 43.7% and 40.2% on right and left orbits, respectively. The number of supraorbital foramina ranged between 0 and 3. Single, double, and triple foramen were found in 21.8%, 6.3%, and 1.1% orbits, respectively. The mean of distance between supraorbital foramen/notch and midline on right and left sides was 2.3±0.3 and 2.4±0.3, respectively, and that between foramen/notch and fronto-zygomatic suture on right and left side of orbit was 2.8±0.3 and 2.7±0.2, respectively. The information provided in this study will be useful in performing successful and uneventful surgeries in the vicinity of supraorbital margin in the Indian Population.