open access

Vol 80, No 4 (2021)
Original article
Submitted: 2019-12-02
Accepted: 2019-12-11
Published online: 2020-09-23
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Anatomic characteristics and dimensions of the nasopalatine canal: a radiographic study using cone-beam computed tomography

C. Görürgöz1, B. Öztaş2
·
Pubmed: 33084014
·
Folia Morphol 2021;80(4):923-934.
Affiliations
  1. Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Bursa Uludağ University, Faculty of Dentistry, Bursa, Türkiye
  2. Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Ankara University, Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara, Türkiye

open access

Vol 80, No 4 (2021)
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Submitted: 2019-12-02
Accepted: 2019-12-11
Published online: 2020-09-23

Abstract

Background: Description of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) is important for planning surgical treatment and comprehension of the morphology and pathogenesis of lesions that occur in the anterior maxilla. The goal of this study was to analyse the dimensions and anatomic characteristics of the NPC on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, to determine the incidence of anatomical variation; and to assess the correlations of these variables with age, gender, and dental status.
Materials and methods: A total of 320 individual CBCT images were included. Reformatted sagittal, coronal and axial slices were evaluated. Sagittal images were used for measurements of the NPC and to classified shape and direction-course of the NPC. Coronal images were used to analyse the NPC division levels and axial images were used to detect the number of palatal and nasal opening.
Results: The mean NPC length was 11.45 ± 2.50 mm; statistically significant differences were detected between males and females (p < 0.05). Mean nasopalatine angle was 76.26 ± 8.12°; significant differences were detected in sagittal and coronal classifications. The most common canal was: funnel-shaped (29%), slanted-curved direction-course (53.1%), middle third division level (43.1%), and one incisive foramen with two Stenson’s foramina (1–2) (77.2%).
Conclusions: The current study ensures new findings on the literature concerning the description of the anatomical structure of the canal. Also, the study highlights a significant variability in the anatomy and morphology of the NPC. Therefore, three-dimensional analysis of this structure is important for facilitating surgical management and preventing possible complications in this area.

Abstract

Background: Description of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) is important for planning surgical treatment and comprehension of the morphology and pathogenesis of lesions that occur in the anterior maxilla. The goal of this study was to analyse the dimensions and anatomic characteristics of the NPC on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, to determine the incidence of anatomical variation; and to assess the correlations of these variables with age, gender, and dental status.
Materials and methods: A total of 320 individual CBCT images were included. Reformatted sagittal, coronal and axial slices were evaluated. Sagittal images were used for measurements of the NPC and to classified shape and direction-course of the NPC. Coronal images were used to analyse the NPC division levels and axial images were used to detect the number of palatal and nasal opening.
Results: The mean NPC length was 11.45 ± 2.50 mm; statistically significant differences were detected between males and females (p < 0.05). Mean nasopalatine angle was 76.26 ± 8.12°; significant differences were detected in sagittal and coronal classifications. The most common canal was: funnel-shaped (29%), slanted-curved direction-course (53.1%), middle third division level (43.1%), and one incisive foramen with two Stenson’s foramina (1–2) (77.2%).
Conclusions: The current study ensures new findings on the literature concerning the description of the anatomical structure of the canal. Also, the study highlights a significant variability in the anatomy and morphology of the NPC. Therefore, three-dimensional analysis of this structure is important for facilitating surgical management and preventing possible complications in this area.

Get Citation

Keywords

anatomy, cone-beam computed tomography, maxilla, nasopalatine canal, radiology

About this article
Title

Anatomic characteristics and dimensions of the nasopalatine canal: a radiographic study using cone-beam computed tomography

Journal

Folia Morphologica

Issue

Vol 80, No 4 (2021)

Article type

Original article

Pages

923-934

Published online

2020-09-23

Page views

7344

Article views/downloads

1818

DOI

10.5603/FM.a2020.0118

Pubmed

33084014

Bibliographic record

Folia Morphol 2021;80(4):923-934.

Keywords

anatomy
cone-beam computed tomography
maxilla
nasopalatine canal
radiology

Authors

C. Görürgöz
B. Öztaş

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