Evaluation of the location of posterior superior alveolar artery and infraorbital foramen originating from the same source by using cone beam computed tomography.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, location and diameters of Posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) and Infraorbital foramen (IOF) to find out whether there is any relationship between PSAA and IOF, and to predict their location relative to each other in surgical procedures by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Material and method: Bilateral maxillary sinuses were analysed retrospectively in 170 patients with no missing teeth in the maxillary posterior region. The largest locations of PSAA and IOF in the maxillary sinus were determined and their size, shape, location in relation to the teeth and distances from anatomical points were evaluated. For statistical analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Shapiro-Wilk tests, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, and Kappa Test were used.

Results: The incidence rate of PSAA on CBCT was found as 56.2%. While the rate of those with a vertical diameter of ≥ 1 mm was 92.1%, the rate of those with a horizontal diameter of ≥ 1 mm was 65.4%. In terms of location, the highest rate was found in the distal of the second molar. Mean horizontal diameter of IOF was found as 3.47 mm, while its mean vertical diameter was found as 3.68 mm. In terms of location, the most common location was at the second premolar tooth level with a rate of 39.7%. While IOF was mostly seen at the first premolar tooth level in young participants, it was mostly seen at the distal of second premolar tooth in old age. No statistical correlation was found between PSAA and IOF (p > 0.05). However, the median values of diameters to the anatomical structures were found to be higher in males when compared to females.

Conclusion: In the present study, our hypothesis of predicting the position of PSAA and IOF relative to each other in surgical procedures of the maxillary sinus was not confirmed. It may be useful to conduct more detailed studies with higher resolution CBCT devices in which more patients are included. In order to prevent a possible bleeding that can occur, clinicians are recommended to evaluate the size and location of these anatomical structures with CBCT before surgical procedures, especially in male patients and older patients.