Morphology and Morphometry of Supraorbital, Infraorbital, and Mental Foramina in Dry Adult Skulls and their Clinical Correlation

Introduction: The location and morphology of supraorbital (SOF), infraorbital (IOF), and mental foramina (MF) are strategically important in surgical and dental procedures. These foramina are present in the norma frontalis of the skull and transmit important neurovascular structures. Materials and Methods: In this study, the different morphometric variations of these foramina were examined in fifty intact dry human adult skulls. Measurements were made to analyze the degree of variation in the location and size of SOF, IOF, and MF. Bilateral measurements were taken as the distance between the supraorbital and midline (SOF-ML), Infraorbital foramen and Anterior Nasal Spine (IOF-ANS), and Mental Foramen and Symphysis Mentae (MF-SM). The dimensions of the foramina on both sides were measured. The shape of the foramina was also recorded. Variations were evaluated according to side. Results: In 50% of the skulls, SOF was present as a notch. The mean distance between the SOF-ML was 22.61 mm ± 2.81 mm and 22.10 mm ± 2.27 mm on the left and right sides, respectively. The mean distance between the IOF-ANS was 25.82 mm ± 2.84 mm and 25.12 mm ± 1.96 mm on the left and right sides, respectively. The mean distance between the MF-SM was 26.58 mm ± 2.22 and 26.17 mm ± 2.27 mm on the left and right sides, respectively. The shapes of the SOF and MF were oval or rounded, with 50% of the skulls exhibiting an oval shape for SOF and 58% for MF. The shape of IOF was oval, semilunar, and rounded in 42%, 33%, and 25% of skulls, respectively. Conclusions: The study has clinical credibility in ascertaining the accurate location of SOF, IOF, and MF, thus avoiding any unforeseen injury related tosurgical and dental procedures.