Radiological Localization of Greater Palatine Foramen Using Multiple Anatomical Landmarks

Identification of greater palatine foramen is of prime value for dentists and the oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The objective of present study was to radiologically localize greater palatine foramen with multiple anatomical landmarks. All Computer Tomography scans of individuals who have undergone paranasal sinus evaluation were obtained from the Department of Radiology, Azeezia Institute of Medical Sciences, from April 2015 to April 2016. Distance of greater palatine foramen from various known anatomical landmarks was measured across the CT slices. Forty-four CT scans were studied, mean age was 32 (±2.3) years. All scans were from individuals of south Indian origin. GPF was located at 38.38 mm from incisive fossa, 17.6 mm from posterior nasal spine, 18.38 mm from intermaxillary suture, 5.03 mm from second molar and 5.28 mm from third molar. Distances of GPF from incisive foramen and intermaxillary suture differed significantly on right and left sides. In 25 (56.8%) cases GPF was located closer to third molar. In seven cases, it was closer to second molar and in 12 cases, GPF was located at the junction of second and third molar. Posterior location of GPF, posterior to third molar is not noted. The utilization of multiple anatomical reference points, such as the incisive foramen, the intermaxillary suture, and the second and third molars simplifies identification of GPF.