Anatomic and anaesthetic considerations of greater palatine nerve block in Indian population

Background: Greater palatine nerve block holds its importance for anaesthesia and analgesia in different maxillofacial surgical procedures. Accuracy in localization of greater palatine foramen is required for its successful implication in regional block, although racial variations exist in various population groups. Aims: To study the morphometry of greater palatine foramen and its location with nearby anatomical landmarks in Indian population. Material and Methods: A total of one hundred dry skulls (60 males and 40 females) were collected and observed for the study. Various parameters were noted from greater palatine foramen on both sides, together with its location with respect to maxillary molar tooth. Along with that the angle between midline maxillary suture and Incisive foramen-Greater palatine foramen is measured. Results: 198 sides were measured and the most common location of greater palatine foramen was found to be medial to third molar tooth (71.21%). The mean distance from greater palatine foramen to midline maxillary suture on right and left sides were 14.82 ± 1.34 mm and 14.79 ± 1.57 mm, statistically insignificant. The angle between midline maxillary suture and incisive foramen-greater palatine foramen was 20.81° ± 2.47°on right side and 20.58° ± 2.69°on left side.The direction of the opening of greater palatine canal onto the hard palate was observed to be antero-medial in 60.10% of cases. Conclusions: Our study reveals the importance of usage of various anatomical parameters for precise location of greater palatine foramen, establishment of specific measurements in each population group and thereby applying such measurements for successful greater palatine nerve block