A variability of the shape and position of the greater palatine foramen (a review of literature)

Abstract

The dimensional characteristics of the greater palatine foramen are of great importance in clinical practice during the blockade of the pterygoid ganglion through the greater palatine foramen, in addition, the greater palatine foramen is an important anatomical landmark for the collection of palatine donor tissue, reconstruction of the orofacial region of an oncological patient. Analgesia, taking into account the morphometry of the greater palatine foramen and the greater palatine canal, is the key to the maximum analgesic effect and the least likelihood of complications. That is why determining the location and dimensional characteristics of the greater palatine foramen with a preserved dentition and in the absence of teeth is relevant. The purpose of this study was to analyze the location of the greater palatine foramen in relation to other anatomical landmarks according to the literature. As a result of the analysis, it was found that most researchers recommend using large molars of the upper jaw as landmarks with a full dentition, and in the absence of teeth, the distance to the median seam of the palate, to the posterior border of the palate, to the posterior nasal spine can be used as landmarks.

Keywords

• greater palatine foramen
• greater palatine canal
• pterygoid ganglion