Three-dimensional Courses of Zygomaticofacial and Zygomaticotemporal Canals Using Micro-computed Tomography in Korean

• DOI: 10.1097/scs.0b013e318299775d
• Publication Date: 2013-09-13T05:17:19Z
• Authors: Hong-San Kim; Jin-Ho Oh; Da-Yae Choi; Jae-Gi Lee; Jong-Hoon Choi; Kyung-Seok Hu; Hee-Jin Kim; Hun-Mu Yang
• Keywords: Pterygopalatine fossa; Superior orbital fissure; Foramen; Zygomatic bone; Orbit (dynamics); Maxillary nerve

The zygomatic nerve (ZN), which originates from the maxillary at pterygopalatine fossa, enters orbit through inferior orbital fissure. Within lateral region of orbit, ZN divides into zygomaticofacial (ZF) and zygomaticotemporal (ZT) nerves. ZF ZT nerves then pass on to face temporal zygomaticoorbital foramen enter their own bony canals within bone. However, multiple (ZFCs ZTCs, respectively) can be observed, detailed intrabony courses are unknown. aim this study was clarify three-dimensional running patterns ZFCs both obtain a anatomical description for clinical purposes. Fourteen sides bones were scanned as two-dimensional images using micro-computed tomography (CT), with 32-μm slice thickness. Intrabony structures each three-dimensionally reconstructed analyzed Mimics computer software (Version 10.01; Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). We found that some ZTC originated ZFC. In 71.4% specimens, ZTC(s) divided canal along course ZFC(s). other cases, 28.6% ZTCs opened corresponding foramen. Zygomaticofacial foramen, is finally This new ZFC(s) bone by micro-CT technology provided helpful information surgeons performing procedures such Le Fort osteotomy reconstructive surgeries in midface region.