Analysis of position of greater palatine foramen in central Indian adult skulls: a consideration for maxillary nerve block

Abstract

To anaesthetize posterior part of soft palate for various surgical procedures, knowledge of the position of the greater palatine foramen (GPF) is very important. Blocking of maxillary division of trigeminal nerve or its branches for local anaesthesia is common practice for maxillofacial surgeries. Objective: this study was aimed to determine the morphology of greater palatine foramen in relation to certain fixed points. Methodology: this study was conducted on 86 dry adult Indian skulls. All the measurements were done with vernier caliper accurate to 0.1 mm. Using flexible stainless steel wire direction of opening of GPF into oral cavity was noted. Results: In 73.26% cases, GPF is located opposite third maxillary molar tooth. Mean distance from GPF to the incisive fossa (IF) was found to be 35.9 mm. The mean distance between posterior margins of GPF to posterior border of hard palate was 3.4 mm. The distance between the GPF to the midline maxillary suture was 15.3 mm. In 74.42% cases, direction of opening of GPF was located antero-laterally. Arched palatal vault was found in 66.28% skulls. Conclusion: The location of greater palatine foramen is variable still in most of the cases it is located opposite third molar tooth and is directed antero-later.