Evaluation of the morphology of accessory canals of the canalis sinuosus via cone-beam computed tomography.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the presence of accessory canal (AC) associated with canalis sinuous (CS), describing their frequency, lateralization, location, direction, and measurements in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

METHODS

Axial, coronal, sagittal, and cross-sectional reconstructions were analyzed in 248 CBCT images and the presence of CS, the presence of AC associated with CS, the lateralization, localization, and direction course of AC associated with CS was evaluated. CS diameter, AC diameter, the distance between the nasal cavity floor and CS (M1), CS and the buccal cortical bone (M2), and CS and the alveolar ridge (M3) were measured.

RESULTS

CS was detected in all CBCT scans as bilaterally. The prevalence of AC associated with CS was 35.5%. There was a significant difference between dental status anthe d presence of AC associated with CS. There was a significant difference between gender, dental status, and lateralization of AC associated with CS. While M1 was greater in male patients than females, M3 was greater in female patients. M2 and M3 were greater in younger patients.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians performing surgical procedures should keep in mind that anatomical variations of the vascular nerve bundle may be seen. M1, M2, and M3 measurements can be affected by gender, age, and dental status.