Anatomical Characteristics of the Nasopalatine Canal in Adults: A Cone-beam Computed Tomography Study in a Peruvian Sample.

Introduction: Knowledge of the anatomical structures related to the anterior maxilla is essential to anticipate complications in oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures. The aim of this study was to determine the anatomical characteristics of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) in adults using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included a sample of 195 CBCTs of Peruvian adults (56.4% women) aged 19-60 years (mean age: 43.73 ± 11.16). Sagittal NPC slices were selected for measurement by a calibrated evaluator (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.817) based on length (mm), inclination in degrees (°) and type (vertical <10° and inclined ≥10°), inferior diameter and shape (cylindrical, funnel, hourglass, and spindle). ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U, Spearman's correlation, and Chi-square tests were used at a significance level of P < 0.05.

Results: The NPC was characterized by a length of 10.91 ± 2.38 mm, a diameter of 3.46 ± 0.93 mm, an inclination angle of 19.17° ± 8.26° with a predominant inclination ≥10° (85.6%), and a cylindrical shape (55.4%). A larger diameter was associated with men, whereas a greater inclination was associated with women (P = 0.008 and P = 0.002, respectively). No significant differences were found when NPC parameters were compared according to age or with each other (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: The study describes the anatomical characteristics of the NPC in a sample of Peruvian adults with anterosuperior dentition and their dimorphism by sex and age in relation to diameter and inclination.