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The cranio-orbital foramen: a meta-analysis with a review of the literature
Affiliations- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, United States
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
Background: The goal of the present study was to provide accurate data on
the prevalence and morphometrical aspects of the cranio-orbital foramen (COF),
which can surely be of use by surgeons performing procedures on the lateral
orbit. Furthermore, the embryology and the clinical significance of this osseous
structure were thoroughly discussed.
Materials and methods: Major online medical databases such as PubMed, Scopus,
Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched to find all relevant
studies regarding COF.
Results: Eventually, a total of 25 studies that matched the required criteria and
contained complete and relevant data were included in this meta-analysis. The
pooled prevalence of COF was found to be 48.37% (95% confidence interval [CI]:
41.67–55.10%). The occurrence of the COF unilaterally was set to be 71.92%
(95% CI: 41.87–96.97%). The occurrence of the COF bilaterally was set at 26.08%
(95% CI: 3.03–58.13%).
Conclusions: In conclusion, we believe that this is the most accurate and up-to-
-date study regarding the anatomy of the COF. The COF is prevalent in 48.37%
of the cases, and it is most frequently unilateral (73.92%). Furthermore, the
prevalence of accessory COFs was found to be 16.72%. The presence of these
foramina may represent a source of haemorrhage that ophthalmic surgeons
should be aware of when performing procedures in the lateral part of the orbit.
Abstract
Background: The goal of the present study was to provide accurate data on
the prevalence and morphometrical aspects of the cranio-orbital foramen (COF),
which can surely be of use by surgeons performing procedures on the lateral
orbit. Furthermore, the embryology and the clinical significance of this osseous
structure were thoroughly discussed.
Materials and methods: Major online medical databases such as PubMed, Scopus,
Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched to find all relevant
studies regarding COF.
Results: Eventually, a total of 25 studies that matched the required criteria and
contained complete and relevant data were included in this meta-analysis. The
pooled prevalence of COF was found to be 48.37% (95% confidence interval [CI]:
41.67–55.10%). The occurrence of the COF unilaterally was set to be 71.92%
(95% CI: 41.87–96.97%). The occurrence of the COF bilaterally was set at 26.08%
(95% CI: 3.03–58.13%).
Conclusions: In conclusion, we believe that this is the most accurate and up-to-
-date study regarding the anatomy of the COF. The COF is prevalent in 48.37%
of the cases, and it is most frequently unilateral (73.92%). Furthermore, the
prevalence of accessory COFs was found to be 16.72%. The presence of these
foramina may represent a source of haemorrhage that ophthalmic surgeons
should be aware of when performing procedures in the lateral part of the orbit.
Keywords
cranio-orbital foramen, lateral orbit, whitnall tubercle, frontozygomatic suture
About this articleTitle
The cranio-orbital foramen: a meta-analysis with a review of the literature
Journal
Issue
Article type
Review article
Pages
758-765
Published online
2022-09-30
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1094
Article views/downloads
613
DOI
Pubmed
Bibliographic record
Folia Morphol 2023;82(4):758-765.
Keywords
cranio-orbital foramen
lateral orbit
whitnall tubercle
frontozygomatic suture
Authors
P. Ostrowski
M. Bonczar
J. Iwanaga
R. Canon
M. Dziedzic
B. Kołodziejczyk
A. Juszczak
J. Walocha
M. Koziej
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