AIM: To determine the human anatomic variability of the nasopalatine canal and determine its characteristics using an anatomical, histological and computed tomography (CT) scan evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Measurements for the canal characteristics were carried out on 163 dry human skulls and 120 upper jaw spiral CT scans, taken from patients for pre-operative planning purposes of implant placement in the incisor region. Furthermore, four human cadaver specimens were imaged using a high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) unit. Afterwards, these specimens were serially sectioned for histological examination to evaluate the nasopalatine canal region and its content. RESULTS: The nasopalatine canal anatomy showed a large variability in morphology and dimensions, with the canal branching in up to four canals at the level of the nose. The canal diameter was on average 3.3 mm (+/-0.9 mm SD), and typically enlarged by age and male gender (p<0.05). HR-MRI and histological sections enabled to identify the neurovascular structures within the canals. CONCLUSIONS: The large anatomic variations, the increased canal dimensions with age and the neurovascular canal content are all factors favouring a thorough three-dimensional planning before surgery, such as implant placement, of the anterior maxillary region.
AIM: To determine the human anatomic variability of the nasopalatine canal and determine its characteristics using an anatomical, histological and computed tomography (CT) scan evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Measurements for the canal characteristics were carried out on 163 dry human skulls and 120 upper jaw spiral CT scans, taken from patients for pre-operative planning purposes of implant placement in the incisor region. Furthermore, four human cadaver specimens were imaged using a high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) unit. Afterwards, these specimens were serially sectioned for histological examination to evaluate the nasopalatine canal region and its content. RESULTS: The nasopalatine canal anatomy showed a large variability in morphology and dimensions, with the canal branching in up to four canals at the level of the nose. The canal diameter was on average 3.3 mm (+/-0.9 mm SD), and typically enlarged by age and male gender (p<0.05). HR-MRI and histological sections enabled to identify the neurovascular structures within the canals. CONCLUSIONS: The large anatomic variations, the increased canal dimensions with age and the neurovascular canal content are all factors favouring a thorough three-dimensional planning before surgery, such as implant placement, of the anterior maxillary region.
Authors: A Fernández-Alonso; J A Suárez-Quintanilla; O Rapado-González; María Mercedes Suárez-Cunqueiro Journal: Surg Radiol Anat Date: 2015-03-29 Impact factor: 1.246
Authors: A Fernández-Alonso; J A Suárez-Quintanilla; J Muinelo-Lorenzo; M M Bornstein; A Blanco-Carrión; M M Suárez-Cunqueiro Journal: Surg Radiol Anat Date: 2014-04-22 Impact factor: 1.246