The relative position of the greater palatine foramen in dry Indian skulls

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the relative position of the greater palatine foramen (GPF) for precise injection of local anaesthetics, for optimal pain control in maxillofacial and dental surgeries. METHODS: The study was conducted in 132 adult dried unsexed skulls of the west coast region of Southern India. All the skulls studied were normal with fully erupted third molars and free from any pathological changes. RESULTS: The statistical analysis indicated there was no significant difference in the measurement between the right and left sides with regard to the distance of GPF to the midline, GPF to the incisive fossa, GPF to the posterior border of the hard palate. The angle made by the line joining the GPF to the incisive foramen with the palatal midline (GIM angle) on two sides showed statistical significance. The mean angle on the left side was 21.2 +/- 4.2 degrees and 20.1 +/- 4.2 degrees on the right side. In 74.6 percent of skulls, the GPF was located opposite the third maxillary molars, whereas 24.2 percent showed the GPF between the second and third molars. In 0.4 percent of skulls, the GPF was opposite to the second molar and in 0.8 percent of skulls, the GPF was situated beyond the third molar. 46.2 percent of the GPF was directed forward and medially, whereas 41.3 percent was directed forward, and 12.5 percent as directed forward and laterally. CONCLUSION: The perpendicular distance of the GPF in Indian skulls was about 15 mm, the distance of GPF to incisive fossa was approximately 37 mm, and the GIM angle was 21 degrees.