Clinical and anatomical study of foramen locations in jaw bones and adjacent structures.

This study aims to find and locate foramens exactly in maxilla and mandible in case of complications during surgeries. Computer topographic angiography (CTA) images of 120 cases were reviewed. The measurements were performed on coronal, sagittal and axial planes after the 3 dimension volume reconstruction. The distances among foramens, bony landmarks, teeth, and facial artery were all measured with the angles as adjustments. The incisive foramen (IF) was measured 20.55 +/- 2.81 mm to margo inferior of incisor, and 45.27 +/- 5.27 degree from the axial midline. The greater palatine foramen located 43.17 +/- 2.55 mm from the IF, while 21.08 +/- 3.75 degree from the midline in axial plane. The lesser palatine foramina located 44.56 +/- 5.74 mm from the IF and 20.05 +/- 3.59 degree to the midline. The Mandibular foramen (MBF) was 91.15 +/- 1.86 mm horizontally to the margo inferior of incisor. The angle that the MBF-margo inferior of incisor line made with the axial midline was 31.25 +/- 2.89 degree. The shortest horizontal distance from the mental foramen (MF) to the facial artery in sagittal plane was 21.90 +/- 1.86 mm, while it became 13.00 +/- 2.05 mm in coronary section. The horizontal distance from the MF to the margo inferior of incisor in sagittal plane was 22.04 +/- 3.22 mm. It turned out to be 25.78 +/- 5.23 mm between MF and mid-sagittal line in coronary section. The vertical distance was 25.20 +/- 3.06 mm from the upper margin of the second premolar to the MF. The foramens were clearly seen through CTA. Moreover, linear and angular measurements were presented, which makes it safer and wiser for surgeons to consider the biometric data before operations.