Stomatology ›› 2023, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (10): 903-909.doi: 10.13591/j.cnki.kqyx.2023.10.008

• Clinical Research • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Analysis of morphological and morphometric characteristics of canalis sinuosus and its accessory canals: A cone-beam CT study

CHENG Aoran1,WANG Jue2,FAN Yawei1,3()   

  1. School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
  • Revised:2023-04-16 Online:2023-10-28 Published:2023-10-20

Abstract:

Objective Canalis sinuosus(CS) is a bony canal that extends from the infraorbital nerve canal to the anterior part of the maxilla and contains prealveolar neurovascular bundles. The anatomical variations of CS in the anterior part of the maxilla are called accessory canals (ACs). Accurate identification of CS and ACs can reduce the possibility of neurovascular complications during anterior maxillary surgery and improve the prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main morphological and morphometric features of CS and its ACs in order to provide anatomical guidance for implant surgery. Methods Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data of 336 patients who visited the Department of Stomatology, the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from June 2021 to June 2022 were collected. Software of NNT viewer was used to measure the morphometric characteristics of CS and its ACs. Statistical analysis was performed according to gender, age and nasopalatine canal (NPC) type. Results CBCT measurement analysis showed that the incidence of ACs was 46.73%. Most of the ACs were distributed bilaterally and vertically. The palatal side of lateral incisors (51.77%) and central incisors (22.70%) were the main areas of ACs distribution. There was a significant linear correlation between the distance from CS to the root apex of central incisor and age (R2=0.353, P< 0.001). The CS diameter of cylindrical-type NPC patients was significantly larger than that of banana-type (P<0.05), hourglass-type (P<0.01) and funnel-type (P<0.01) NPC patients. There was significant difference between hourglass-type and banana-type patients in the distance between CS and the root apex of central incisor (P<0.05). Conclusion Results of this study indicate that ACs has a high incidence in the anterior maxilla of the Shanxi population and that NPC types have a significant impact on the morphometric characteristics of CS and its ACs. Based on the results of this study, simultaneous evaluation of CS with its ACs and NPC is reasonable and helpful in preventing complications during implant surgery. Clinicians should assess risks more carefully before surgery and take appropriate preventive measures.

Key words: maxillary esthetic zone, dental implant, anterior superior alveolar nerve, canalis sinuosus, CBCT

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