Investigating the Anatomy and Location of the Infraorbital Canal in Relation to the Adjacent Structures in Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Images

Although the canal protects the infraorbital nerve and artery, they can be easily injured during manipulation in this area. This study aimed to examine the structure and position of the infraorbital canal (IOC) and nearby features using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

This study was conducted on 94 CBCT images (47 men and 47 women of 20–55 years). The infraorbital groove (IOG), infraorbital foramen (IOF) and infraorbital canal (IOC) points, and other related parameters are investigated bilaterally using OnDemand3D software. Data were studied by paired t, independent t, and Kruskal–Wallis statistical tests (α = 0.05).

The average angle between IOC, sagittal, axial planes, and IOG 29.08° (SD = 7.33), 56.01° (SD = 10.39), and 121.44° (SD = 43.44). The average IOC and IOG lengths were 10.83 (SD = 3.87) and 19.01 (SD = 5.81) mm. The average IOF vertical diameter was 5.5 (SD = 1.80) mm. The mean skin thickness over IOF was 10.38 (SD = 2.42) mm. The average length between the IOF and the infraorbital rim, the lateral nasal wall, the midsagittal plane, the line perpendicular to the axis of the canine apex, the occlusal plane of the premolar, the vertical axis of the lateral rim of the frontozygomatic suture 9.7 (SD = 2.52), 11.76 (SD = 2.92), 16.4 (SD = 6.42), and 91.11 (SD = 4.15), 42 (SD = 7.61) and 22.55 (SD = 3.25) mm. Images showed the presence of accessory IOF in 13.45% of cases, and the presence of Haller cells in 17.75% of cases, and sex did not affect the studied variables.

CBCT is an accurate 3-dimensional imaging modality for assessment of the anatomy of the IOC, IOG, and IOF. Knowledge of the IOC/G anatomy for preoperative treatment planning utilizing CBCT can assist surgeons in avoiding potential surgical complications and improving treatment efficacy.