Morphometric characterisation of sphenopalatine foramen using cone beam computed tomography

This study investigates the morphometric characteristics of the sphenopalatine foramen (SPF) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in adult individuals to support surgical planning and improve outcomes in oral and maxillofacial procedures. A total of 120 adult patients underwent CBCT imaging for detailed analysis of the SPF. Measurements included the length and width of the foramen, as well as its spatial relationship to key anatomical landmarks. Statistical comparisons were performed to assess gender-based differences in these parameters. The results demonstrated that male subjects had significantly larger SPF dimensions compared to females across all measured variables, with high statistical significance (p < 0.001). These findings provide crucial anatomical insights that are directly applicable to various clinical procedures, including posterior epistaxis management, tumor resections, dental implant placement, and Le Fort I osteotomies. The anatomical variability observed reinforces the need for personalized preoperative assessment to enhance surgical precision and reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, the study’s implications extend to neuromodulation techniques such as sphenopalatine ganglion blocks for managing cluster headaches. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the value of CBCT-based morphometric analysis of the SPF in achieving optimal diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes, advocating for its integration into routine planning for craniofacial surgical interventions.