A three-dimensional computed tomographic measurement of the location of infraorbital foramen in East Asians.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to examine the different anatomic variations of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) in relation to sex, side, and age using three-dimensional computer tomography in East Asians.

METHODS

Three-dimensional computer tomography scans of patients who were admitted to our institution without any facial abnormality or fracture were included. Two hundred forty patients (480 eyes; 120 male and 120 female patients) were evaluated for the location of the IOF according to sex and age group. For evaluation of the location, the distance of the foramen from the dacryon and that from the inferior orbital margin were measured.

RESULTS

The location of the IOF differed statistically between sexes, and the foramen of males was located more inferotemporally, compared with the foramen of females. The location of the foramen changed rapidly during the first 3 years of life and at ages 10 to 12 years. The location change leveled off at after 20 years of age, and the location changed inferotemporally along with growth.

CONCLUSIONS

This anatomic knowledge of the location of the IOF may suggest that age and sex be considered for infraorbital nerve block, midface lift, and incision of periosteum in inferior orbital wall fracture, especially in children.