Background: This study aimed to evaluate the anatomy of the pterygomaxillary region and the position of the descending palatine artery using CBCT sections.
Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, an evaluation of CBCT scans from 280 patients was undertaken. Axial sections of these images were utilized to determine the thickness, width, and location of the descending palatine artery, as well as the length of the pterygoid plates within the pterygomaxillary region. Convenient sampling was employed to gather these CBCT scans.
Results: The mean anterior length was higher in men (41.1 ± 5.6 vs.39.8 ± 6.2) (both with P<0.05). The mean length of lateral plate was 12.07 ± 2.2 and 11.1 ± 2.5 mm in men and women, respectively on the right side (P=0.001) and it is significantly higher in men (12.5 ± 4.7 vs. 11.1 ± 2.5) on the left side (P=0.002). The mean length of the medial plate in men and women was nearly similar and significant on the left side (P=0.005). The thickness of the trigomaxillary region and the nerigoid appendage were not significantly different in men and women and both sides. It has been determined that the distance between the descending palatine canal and the priform rim is longer in females on both sides.
Conclusion: The intricate morphology of the pterygomaxillary region can harbor anatomical variations that increase the risk of specific complications during Le Fort I osteotomy. To mitigate these potential risks, pre-operative imaging with CBCT is crucial for scrutinizing the pterygomaxillary region.