Abstract:

Objective To explore the anatomical characteristics of zygomatic foramen, enrich anatomical data and provide reference for clinical surgery. Methods Sixty-five intact and dry skulls(130 sides)of adults were selected to observe the position, shape, number, distribution and classification of zygomaticofacial foramen, zygomatico-orbital foramen and zygomaticotemporal foramen. Venier calipers and compasses were used to measure the shortest distance between the three foramen and lateral margin of orbit, the infraorbital foramen, and the distance between two zygomaticofacial foramen, zygomatico-orbital foramen and zygomaticotemporal foramen. Results The zygomaticofacial, zygomatico-orbital and zygomaticotemporal foramen were mostly oval, with 0 to 4 on each side, and can be divided into Ⅰ-Ⅴ types, with 3 sides (2.31%), 45 sides (34.62%), 50 sides (38.46%), 23 sides (17.69%), 9 sides (6.92%); 3 sides (2.31%), 51 sides (39.23%), 50 sides (38.46%), 19 sides (14.62%), 7 sides (5.38%); 8 sides (6.15%), 61 sides (46.92%), 29 sides (22.31%), 22 sides (16.92%) and 10 sides (7.69%) for each hole. The same number of zygomaticofacial, zygomatico-orbital or zygomaticotemporal foramen on both sides were divided into A-D (1-4) groups, with 12 (18.46%), 13 (20.00%), 2 (3.08%), 2 (3.08%); 16 (24.62%), 12 (18.46%), 3 (4.62%), 1 (1.54%); 17 (26.15%), 3 (4.62%), 4 (6.15%) and 1 (1.54%) for each hole. The shortest distance from the zygomaticofacial, zygomatico-orbital and zygomaticotemporal foramen to the lateral margin of orbit and infraorbital foramen was (7.70±1.73) mm, (24.64±4.81) mm; (7.60±2.50) mm, (23.32±4.75) mm; (7.83±2.23) mm, (27.83±3.84) mm. When there were two zygomaticofacial, zygomatico-orbital or zygomaticotemporal foramen on one side, the distance between the two zygomaticofacial, zygomatico-orbital and zygomaticotemporal foramen was (7.88±4.90) mm, (5.97±4.71) mm and (9.29±5.83) mm respectively. The distance between the left and right sides was statistically analyzed with P>0.05, and the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion The anatomy of zygomaticforamen is helpful to understand the course and variation of the nerves and blood vessels in the area. It could provide reference for clinical operation.

Key words: zygomaticofacial foramen, zygomatico-orbital foramen, zygomaticotemporal foramen, anatomy