Infraorbital foramen localization in orbitozygomatic fractures: a CT study with intraoperative finding

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the infraorbital foramen (IOF) using CT in patients with Zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures (midface fracture).

Patients and methods

This prospective study was carried out on 49 patients had ZMC fractures (98 sides) and 27 patients (54 sides) with craniomaxillofacial fractures rather than fractured ZMC as a control. Using CT, position of IOF was documented on 3D view in relation to inferior orbital rim, tooth root relation and finally with a novel imaginary line passing between anterior nasal spine and whitnall tubercle.

Results

Position of IOF had fixed anatomical landmark: just lateral to a line drawn between the anterior nasal spine to whitnall tubercle (clinically between nasal tip—lateral canthal ligament) and lateral to vertical plane to root of maxillary canine also with variable distance from inferior orbital rim ranged from 4.56 to 18.03 mm with a mean of 7.9 ± 2.447 mm.

Conclusion

Even though ZMC fractures disturb the anatomical location of the ZMC bones, there are still preserved reliable fixed landmarks maxillofacial surgeons can depend on to identify and preserve ION.

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