A cadaveric observation of infraorbital and accessory infraorbital foramen in the Indian population

The knowledge of the location of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) is crucial in the management of maxillofacial surgeries. The morphology of this foramen is variable in different populations. The purpose of this study is to locate the IOF and to determine the frequency and location of accessory IOF (AIOF) in the Indian population. The study was conducted after getting ethical approval from the institutional review board. It was done on the 60 hemi faces of formalin embalmed heads of 30 cadavers. A modified Weber–Fergusson’s incision was made to expose the anterior surface of the maxilla and the distance of IOF from the root of PM2 teeth and the infraorbital rim (IOR) was measured. The occurrence of AIOF was noted and the neurovascular structures passing through were traced. The distance of the AIOF from the IOF was measured and the statistical analysis was done. The mean distance of the IOF to the IOR on the right side was 6.96 ± 1.79 mm and on the left side was 7.24 ± 1.84 mm. The mean distance of the IOF from the upper PM2 on the right side was 27.11 ± 5.16 mm and on the left side was 26.71 ± 5 mm. The AIOF was present in 10 % of the cadavers dissected and supero-medial in position. It may be single or double, transmitting blood vessels and nerves. The mean distance between the IOF to the AIOF was 9.92 mm on the right and 5.87 mm on the left. Until now, no studies have been conducted on human cadavers to determine if any neurovascular structures pass through AIOF in Indian populations. This human cadaveric study will give additional information to the clinicians that a considerable number of patients may have AIOF and they may transmit neurovascular structures, the knowledge of this is needed to avoid unexpected complications during surgical procedures and nerve block.