Assessment of the Presence of Infraorbital Foramen and Accessory Foramen in Adolescent and Adult Populations Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the vertical and horizontal dimensions, shape, anatomical location of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) and the presence of accessory infraorbital foramen (AIOF) in adolescent and adult individuals using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Additionally, it aimed to contribute to clinical applications and address the lack of data on the adolescent population in the literature. Materials and Methods: CBCT images of 1,000 patients who presented to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology between 2021 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 315 individuals (193 males, 122 females) who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The dimensions of the IOF, its distances to adjacent anatomical landmarks, its shape, and the presence of AIOF were evaluated. Results: In this study, IOF dimensions were larger in males, with the horizontal width greater on the right and the vertical height greater on the left. The most common IOF shape was circular, and accessory foramina were present in 31.6% of individuals, more frequently in males on the right. A statistically significant variation in the distance between the IOF and the midline (IOF-ML) with respect to age was observed on the right. Conclusions: Detailed knowledge of the IOF’s location, shape, and variations is crucial for preventing complications during surgical procedures, particularly infraorbital nerve blocks. The dimensions of the infraorbital foramen and its distances to anatomical landmarks in adolescents are generally similar to those in the adult population.