ASSESSMENT OF ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS OF GREATER PALATINE FORAMEN IN A SAMPLE OF EGYPTIAN POPULATION USING CBCT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Statement of problem: The greater palatine foramen (GPF) is an important landmark in oral surgery. Block anesthesia of the greater palatine nerve (GPN) is a very common procedure in numerous dental interventions involving the posterior maxilla. Procedures that may involve the GPF include orthognathic surgery, closure of oroantral/nasal fistulas, removal of pathological tissue, harvesting of palatal soft tissue grafts, and extraction of maxillary posterior teeth. However, these procedures are all performed close to, and thus may damage, vital anatomical structures, such as the greater palatine neurovascular complex. Therefore, it is important to assess the anatomical variations of the GPF to avoid hemorrhagic risks and anesthesia failures. Aim of the study: To assess the anatomical variations (diameter and number) of the greater palatine foramen in a sample of Egyptian population using cone beam computed tomography. Materials and method: This cross-sectional study evaluated 173 greater palatine foramina using cone beam computed tomography. Diameter and number of foramina were evaluated and recorded. Inter and intra observer agreement were done using Intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: The mean diameter of GPF was 4.18 ± 0.90 mm. Conclusion: The anteroposterior dimension of the greater palatine foramen is vital during orthognathic procedures, excision of pathological lesions, palatal soft tissue graft harvesting, and extraction of posterior maxillary teeth. Therefore, surgeons should handle this region with great care.