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Background: Endoscopic approaches to the orbit improve the ability to directly access apical lesions while minimizing manipulation of normal structures. Inferomedial orbital access is limited by the orbital process of the palatine bone (OPPB) which prevents dissection and retraction in the inferolateral vector., Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the morphometric characteristics of the OPPB and quantify the benefit of complete resection to surgical access., Methods: Morphometric osteologic measurements of the OPPB were performed in 59 human skulls. A radius subtended by the OPPB was calculated to generate a hemispheric dissection corridor achievable by complete resection of the OPPB. Cadaveric and live surgical dissections were then performed on 15 orbits to develop discreet endoscopic surgical landmarks which could be used to both identify the OPPB and verify complete resection., Results: The mean(± SD) radius of the OPPB was 0.47 ± 0.28 cm. Complete OPPB resection provided an additional 0.36 ± 0.42 cm of surgical exposure within the inferomedial apex. Relative to the Caucasian (n = 27) skulls, the radii in the Asian (n = 27) and African (n = 5) skulls were significantly smaller (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively)., Conclusion: The OPPB significantly limits surgical access to the inferomedial orbital apex during endoscopic approaches. Complete surgical resection of the OPPB improves surgical exposure facilitating retraction of the inferior rectus muscle and circumferential dissection of lesions within this space. Knowledge of the morphology and clinical relevance of this structure provides an opportunity to improve surgical exposure for relevant pathologic assessment and optimize endoscopic surgical outcomes.

The greater palatine foramen (GPF) is an important anatomical landmark and has substantial clinical relevance in dental surgery. Knowledge of its precise location and dimensions is required for proper planning of surgical procedures involving the posterior maxilla. We used microfocus computed tomography to determine the location and dimensions of the GPF, and any sex and race variations in those measurements, in 77 human skulls scanned at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation. Specialized software was used for three-dimensional rendering, segmentation, and visualization of the reconstructed volume data. GPF location ranged from adjacent to the first molar to distal of the third molar. The most common GPF location was near the third molar (66.7% of skulls), and the GPF was as close as 6.31 mm (mean distance 12.75 ± 3 mm). The mean GPF dimensions were 5.22 mm on the anterior-posterior axis and 2.81 mm on the lateral-medial axis. We noted no significant differences in relation to race, sex, or age in the sample. The GPF was adjacent or posterior to the third maxillary molar in most skulls.

People vary at most levels, from the molecular to the cognitive, and the shape of the hard palate (the bony roof of the mouth) is no exception. The patterns of variation in the hard palate are important for the forensic sciences and (palaeo)anthropology, and might also play a role in speech production, both in pathological cases and normal variation. Here we describe a method based on Bézier curves, whose main aim is to generate possible shapes of the hard palate in humans for use in computer simulations of speech production and language evolution. Moreover, our method can also capture existing patterns of variation using few and easy-to-interpret parameters, and fits actual data obtained from MRI traces very well with as little as two or three free parameters. When compared to the widely-used Principal Component Analysis (PCA), our method fits actual data slightly worse for the same number of degrees of freedom. However, it is much better at generating new shapes without requiring a calibration sample, its parameters have clearer interpretations, and their ranges are grounded in geometrical considerations.

The palatine aponeurosis is a thin, fibrous lamella comprising the extended tendons of the tensor veli palatini muscles, attached to the posterior border and inferior surface of the palatine bone. In dentistry, the relationship between the "vibrating line" and the border of the hard and soft palate has long been discussed. However, to our knowledge, there has been no discussion of the relationship between the palatine aponeurosis and the vibrating line(s). Twenty sides from ten fresh frozen White cadaveric heads (seven males and three females) whose mean age at death was 79 years) were used in this study. The thickness of the mucosa including the submucosal tissue was measured. The maximum length of the palatine aponeurosis on each side and the distance from the posterior nasal spine to the posterior border of the palatine aponeurosis in the midline were also measured. The relationship between the marked borderlines and the posterior border of the palatine bone was observed. The thickness of the mucosa and submucosal tissue on the posterior nasal spine and the maximum length of the palatine aponeurosis were 3.4 mm, and 12.2 mm on right side and 12.8 mm on left, respectively. The length of the palatine aponeurosis in the midline was 4.9 mm. In all specimens, the borderline between the compressible and incompressible parts corresponded to the posterior border of the palatine bone.

Purpose: Anatomy of greater palatine foramen is important for maxillary nerve blocks, haemostatic procedures, and the treatment of neuralgia; although metrical data are available about its collocation, still several aspects need to be explored, such as the influence of the cranium size., Methods: The position of greater palatine foramen was assessed on 100 skulls through six measurements (distances from intermaxillary suture, posterior palatal border, posterior nasal spine, and incisive foramen; palatal length; relative position on palatal length) and two angles (angles at incisive foramen and greater palatine foramen). Maximum cranial length, maximum cranial breadth, cranial height and bizygomatic breadth, horizontal cephalic index, and Giardina Y-index were evaluated. Possible differences according to sex and side were assessed through two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). Measurements showing sexual dimorphism were further assessed through one-way ANCOVA including cranial parameters as covariates (p < 0.05)., Results: Distances of the greater palatine foramen from intermaxillary suture, incisive foramen, posterior palatal border, posterior nasal spine, palatal length, and position of the greater palatine foramen on the palatal length were statistically different according to sex (p < 0.05), independently from general cranial dimensions but for the distance from the posterior palatal border. The angle at the incisive foramen and distances from intermaxillary suture and from posterior nasal spine showed statistically significant differences according to side (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Results highlight that most of sexually dimorphic measurements useful for pinpointing the greater palatal foramen do not depend upon the cranium size. A more complete metrical assessment of the localization of the greater palatine foramen was provided.

This paper investigates the possibility of reproducing the self-sustained oscillation of the tongue tip in alveolar trills. The interest is to study the articulatory and phonatory configurations that are required to produce alveolar trills. Using a realistic geometry of the vocal tract, derived from cineMRI data of a real speaker, the paper studies the mechanical behavior of a lumped two-mass model of the tongue tip. Then, the paper proposes a solution to simulate the incomplete occlusion of the vocal tract during linguopalatal contacts by adding a lateral acoustic waveguide. Finally, the simulation framework is used to study the impact of a set of parameters on the characteristic features of the produced alveolar trills. It shows that the production of trills is favored when the distance between the equilibrium position of the tongue tip and the hard palate in the alveolar zone is less than 1 mm, but without linguopalatal contact, and when the glottis is fully adducted.

The effect of dietary properties on craniofacial form has been the focus of numerous functional studies, with increasingly more work dedicated to the importance of phenotypic plasticity. As bone is a dynamic tissue, morphological variation related to differential loading is well established for many masticatory structures. However, the adaptive osteogenic response of several cranial sites across multiple levels of bony organization remains to be investigated. Here, rabbits were obtained at weaning and raised for 48 weeks until adulthood in order to address the naturalistic influence of altered loading on the long-term development of masticatory and non-masticatory elements. Longitudinal data from micro-computed tomography (μCT) scans were used to test the hypothesis that variation in cortical bone formation and biomineralization in masticatory structures is linked to increased stresses during oral processing of mechanically challenging foods. It was also hypothesized that similar parameters for neurocranial structures would be minimally affected by varying loads as this area is characterized by low strains during mastication and reduced hard-tissue mechanosensitivity. Hypotheses were supported regarding bone formation for maxillomandibular and neurocranial elements, though biomineralization trends of masticatory structures did not mirror macroscale findings. Varying osteogenic responses in masticatory elements suggest that physiological adaptation, and corresponding variation in skeletal performance, may reside differentially at one level of bony architecture, potentially affecting the accuracy of behavioral and in silico reconstructions. Together, these findings underscore the complexity of bone adaptation and highlight functional and developmental variation in determinants of skull form., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to measure palatal bone thickness and select relatively safe regions for mini-implant insertion, and to determine the effect of age and sex on palatal bone thickness and whether there is any difference between right and left sides., Materials and Methods: Cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) evaluation was used on 107 healthy orthodontic patients, including 51 adolescents (12.90 ± 1.71 years) and 56 adults (26.09 ± 4.35 years), who were selected from the Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (Shanghai, China). Seventy-two sites of bone thickness were measured in the palate. Intragroup, intergroup, and sex differences were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance., Results: Palatal bone thickness exhibited significant differences in 3 anteroposterior areas of the 2 groups. From anterior to posterior region, palatal bone thickness gradually decreased. Meanwhile, on the sagittal plane, palatal bone thickness decreased gradually from reference line 0 to 9 mm among adults, and from reference line 0 to 12 mm among adolescents posterior to the level of the posterior rim of the incisive foramen. However, on the coronal plane, no significant differences were found in the palatal bone thickness among reference lines 2, 4, 6, and 8 mm lateral to the midpalatal suture. Nor were there differences between right and left sides, between adults and adolescents or between males and females., Conclusions: In terms of bone thickness, the anterior region is relatively safe for orthodontic mini-implant insertion. However, since subjects vary greatly, CBCT scans are needed before undertaking mini-implant insertion.

Purpose: Many researches have investigated the morphology of the greater palatine foramina using dry skulls and cone-beam computed tomography. In most studies, some structures in the hard tissue have been measured and statistically analyzed. However, none of the studies has analyzed this foramen in regard to its location with overlying soft tissues, which is so clinically relevant. Therefore, this study was performed to provide the knowledge about relationship between the greater palatine foramen and foveola palatina for a better understanding of dental procedures such as greater palatine nerve block., Methods: Thirty sides, from fifteen fresh cadaveric heads, were used in this study. The specimens were derived from eight males and seven females. A 27-gauge needle was inserted into the fossa, which was palpated at the edge of a dental mirror at a 45° angle to the occlusal plane and parallel to the sagittal plane. The anteroposterior distance, which was parallel to the midline, between the penetration site and foveola palatina was measured., Results: All the penetrations advanced to the greater palatine foramen. The distances ranged from 2.0 to 8.3 mm on right sides, and 1.1 to 8.2 mm on left sides, respectively., Conclusion: The results of this study could help dentists identify the correct location of the greater palatine foramen with a supplemental landmark.

To compare the projectional surface anatomy of healthy individuals in an adult population with those with a thyroid mass, using computed tomography (CT). Sixteen slice CT images of 101 individuals were analyzed using a 32-bit Radiant DICOM viewer to establish the relationships among major anatomical landmarks in the neck and their vertebral levels. The structures investigated included: hard palate (HP), hyoid bone (HB) including body and lesser horns, soft palate (SP), thyroid gland (TG) (both superior and inferior poles), thyroid gland anteroposterior (APD) and superoinferior (SID) diameters, thyroid isthmus (TI) superoinferior dimension, epiglottis, vertebral arteries (right and left), and both right and left parotid glands (superior and inferior extents). The vertebral levels noted most frequently were: body of hyoid bone (C4, 42.71%); lesser horns of hyoid bone (C3, 36.46%); thyroid gland superior pole (C6, 31.25%); and thyroid gland inferior pole (T2, 30.2%). TG-ID, TG-APD, and TG-SID were not significantly different between males and females in the healthy group; however, there was a significant gender difference in thyroid gland inferior diameter in the pathology group [males 2.16(±1.16) vs. females 3.37(±1.30), P = 0.01, paired sample t-test]. Further studies are needed to determine whether neck pathology in those with a thyroid mass affects the dimensions of the thyroid gland. Moreover, the surface anatomy of the neck should be revisited using modern imaging techniques to address inconsistencies in anatomy and clinical reference texts. Clin. Anat. 30:781-787, 2017. © 2017Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: The use of the palatal rugae in forensic odontology is based on their unique and individual characteristics. Few studies have assessed the palatal rugae in Mediterranean populations and none in the Lebanese population., Objective: Assess the shape and other morphological features of the palatal rugae in a Lebanese adult population, and compare them with reported similar features in other populations., Materials and Methods: Rugae characteristics were assessed on the maxillary dental casts of 217 non-growing subjects (95 males, 122 females, age 25.5 ± 7.6 years) according to guidelines established by Thomas and Kotze (1983) and Lysell (1955). The overall number of rugae and numbers of primary rugae (> 5mm in length), secondary rugae (3-5mm) and fragmentary rugae (2-3mm) on either side were recorded. Rugae were classified according to shape, direction and presence of unification. Z-tests were used to compare the proportions between right and left sides and between genders. The mean numbers of rugae in each category were compared with independent samples t-tests between males and females; paired samples t-tests were employed to compare mean numbers of rugae in each category between right and left sides. The data were compared with published reports on other Mediterranean cohorts., Results: The average number of rugae was 7.7 per individual, 3.81 on the right and 3.89 on the left. Curved, wavy and straight rugae patterns were equally common (one third each). The spatial direction of most rugae (49.3%) was backward. Circular, non-specific and convergent rugae were rare (< 2% each). Rugae numbers (total, primary, secondary, fragmentary) were symmetrical but shape, direction and the occurrence of convergence were asymmetrical (p < 0.05). None of the examined characteristics showed gender dimorphism. Tabulated comparisons disclosed the equality of rugae patterns as major differences with findings from other Mediterranean studies., Conclusions: The palatal rugae in the Lebanese population display shape distinct from other reported Mediterranean and non-Caucasian populations. Studies in large samples and primary comparisons with other Mediterranean populations are warranted.

While abundant research has been conducted on palatal rugae (PR), the literature pertaining to the sex dimorphism of the palatal rugae and their use for sex prediction is inconclusive. Moreover, palatal rugae have been classified into categories based on length, shape, direction and unification but accurate rugal morphometric linear and angular measurements have not yet been reported., Objective: The aims of this study were to -1- assess the dimensions and bilateral symmetry of the first three palatal rugae in an adult population and -2- explore sex dimorphism and the ability to predict sex from palatal rugae measurements., Materials and Methods: The maxillary dental casts of 252 non-growing subjects (119 males, 130 females, mean age 25.6 ± 7.7 years) were scanned using a laser system (Perceptron ScanWorks® V5). Angular and linear transverse and anteroposteior measures of the first three palatal rugae were recorded. Independent samples t-tests and paired samples t-tests were used to test for side related differences and sex dimorphism. Multiple logistic regression was employed to model sex using associated palatal rugae measures., Results: Palatal rugae exhibited lateral asymmetry in the majority of bilateral measures. Males presented with larger values for 9 out of 28 parameters. Four linear rugae measurements and one angular measurement together correctly classified 71.4% of the subjects in their true gender., Conclusions: Morphometric palatal rugae measurements demonstrated promising usefulness in sex prediction. Recording morphometric linear and angular measures is recommended as an adjunct to the commonly used classification based on the shapes of rugae.

Background: The associations between the length and morphological shape-related characteristics of palatal rugae have not been fully explored., Objective: We aimed to assess the possible association among various geometric configurations of the palatal rugae in an adult population., Materials and Methods: The maxillary dental casts of 217 non-growing subjects (95 males, 122 females, mean age 25.5±7.6 years) were scanned (laser scanning system Perceptron ScanWorks® V5) and digitized for linear measurements. The casts were also surveyed for visual categorization into curved, wavy, straight and other topographical forms, along with spatial direction of the rugae and the presence of unification. The rugae were categorized as primary, secondary, and fragmentary based on their lengths (> 5mm, 2-3mm, < 2mm, respectively). Chi square and one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests were used to compare the palatal rugae groupings., Results: Primary and backward-directed rugae prevailed in the total sample (84.7% and 49.3%, respectively). Wavy form was dominant among primary lengths, while straight form was associated with the shorter secondary and fragmentary groups (p=0.0042). Absence of unification was the norm (88.8%)., Conclusions: Associations of length and shape characteristics among palatal rugae combine wavy patterns with increased length, and straight forms with shorter folds. These features contribute to the definition of ruga individuality in combination rather than separately.

Objectives: To help surgeons locating anatomic landmarks when performing endoscopic endonasal transcribriform approach to anterior skull base., Methods: High-resolution axial computed tomography (CT) images at thickness of 0.6 mm, and reconstructed 0.41-mm thick gapless sagittal and coronal CT images were taken from 123 subjects. Using mimics software, first located elementary points and line: nasal spine, midpoint of posterior hard palate and the line between them; then located measured points right/left posterior and anterior points; measured distances between measured points and from measured points to nasal spine and angles between lines connecting measured points to nasal spine and the basic line., Results: The distances from nasal spine to right/left posterior and anterior points of anterior skull base are 68.67 ± 6.04 and 61.71 ± 5.09 mm, corresponding angles are 45.89 ± 4.20° and 72.07 ± 4.06°, respectively. The width and length of defect of anterior skull base are 24.45 ± 2.62 and 31.03 ± 4.96 mm; its area ranges from 373.75 ± 94.08 to 800.91 ± 195.07 mm., Conclusions: The study provides information about anterior skull base anatomic landmarks, which can help surgeons to locate them and avoid relative complications during endoscopic endonasal transcribriform approach to anterior skull base. The measurements can be used as surgical indicators to investigate the landmarks.

Aim: The present study's aim was to assess the pattern of palatine ridges/rugae to identify gender., Materials and Methods: This study consists of a total of 50 participants (25 males and 25 females). Participants of the age range of 20 to 50 years were selected from the outpatient department. According to the shape and size of the patient's arches, maxillary impression trays were selected using alginate, and casts were poured subsequently. With the help of a sharp graphite pencil, the palatine ridges were delineated to make it prominent, and on either side of the midline, the number of rugae was counted and the length measured. Using these parameters, the pattern of rugae was determined. Data were analyzed using independent sample t-test. The level of significance was set at 5%., Results: Males had more number of palatal rugae (mean 5.96 ± 0.88) compared with females (5.24 ± 0.77), and there was a statistically significant association between them. The mean length of palatal rugae was more in males (6.25 ± 1.15 mm) than females (5.16 ± 1.40 mm), and it was found to be a statistically significant association. The straight pattern was more common in both males and females (2.56 ± 1.08, 2.32 ± 0.85 respectively) than other patterns., Conclusion: This study concluded that straight rugae pattern has been found to be the most common pattern in both genders. However, the mean number of straight rugae pattern and length is slightly more in males than females., Clinical Significance: The most challenging tasks in forensic medicine is human identification. Dental records, dactylogram, and comparing deoxyribonucleic acid are the widely used techniques in mass disasters, but these techniques have their own drawbacks and hence cannot be applied always. In such cases, less known techniques like rugoscopy will be helpful.

Objective: To analyze variations in palatal morphology in subjects presenting unilaterally impacted maxillary permanent central incisors compared with a control group of subjects without eruption anomalies using a three-dimensional (3D) analysis., Materials and Methods: Twenty-six white subjects (10 girls and 16 boys; mean age 9.5 ± 1.5 years) with unilaterally impacted maxillary permanent central incisors (impacted incisor group [IIG]) were compared with a control group (CG) of 26 subjects (14 girls and 12 boys, mean age 8.7 ± 1.6 years) presenting no eruption disorders. For each subject, dental casts were taken and the upper arch was scanned using a 3D laser scanner. To study the entirety of the shape of the palate in any point of the surface, 3D geometric morphometrics was applied., Results: Subjects with impacted maxillary incisors showed skeletal adaptations of the maxilla. In the IIG, both the superior palatal region and lateral palatal surface showed significantly different morphology when compared with CG, with a narrower and higher palatal vault., Conclusion: The absence of maxillary central incisors over the physiological age of eruption influenced the development of the palatal morphology compared with subjects without eruption anomalies.

Objective: Different clinical problems may require a surgical approach to the dental arch, such as dentofacial orthopedics, implant-supported dental prothesis, maxillary orthodontics protraction, removable appliances, and posttraumatic dental reconstruction. The aim of this study is to analyze the dental arch size and type for supporting individual dental protheses., Materials and Methods: In this study, the reference measurements on the length of the bony palate, maxillary intercanine width, maxillary intermolar width, and the ratio of the maxillary to the palatinal surface were studied in 120 bony palates using a computer software program., Results: The average length of the bony palate, maxilla, and palatine was measured as 104.4 ± 30.3, 40.05 ± 4.05, and 15.00 ± 3.03 mm, respectively. The right and left sides of average width of intermaxillary distances were measured as 13.75 ± 1.50 and 12.51 ± 1.50 mm, respectively. The average width of intermolar distance was calculated as 19.82 ± 1.61 mm (right side) and 18.89 ± 1.69 mm (left side), respectively. The maxillary dentitions were classified as square (17%), round-square (63.5%), round (14.4%), and round V-shaped arches (5.1%). The round-square ones showed no prominent principal component. Among the maxillary arches, the round arches were characterized by small values and round V-shaped ones with the largest values. Asymmetry between the right and the left bony palate was observed. The areas with equal bony palate on both sides were present in 64.4% of the cases, and in 33.1% of the cases, bony palate was dominant on the right., Conclusions: The primary principle in reconstructive treatment should be describing geometrical forms and mathematical details of the bony palate. Three-dimensional reference values relative to the dental arch may increase the success of individual treatment of surgical procedures and reduce possible complications. With the help of certain software, this research has made possible to investigate the variability of the dental arch and calculate the variety in measurements and thereby determining the most appropriate implant position, optimizing the implant axis and defining the best surgical and prosthetic solution for the patient.

Objectives: We introduce a weighted method for superimposition of serial digital maxillary models based on the variable stability of rugae points., Setting and Sample Population: Plaster maxillary models of 24 randomly selected 12-year-olds as well as their models at the age of 14 were obtained and scanned using a benchtop structured-light 3D scanner., Methods: The models were registered twice, once via the unweighted and again via the proposed weighted rugae superimposition method based on 12 rugae landmarks. For each superimposition, distances between the corresponding rugae points were measured and compared with reported displacements of rugae points in literature., Results: The unweighted superimposition produced no meaningful differences in terms of total displacements of registration landmarks, whereas the weighted method recognized the medial points of the third ruga as the most stable landmarks. Results of the weighted method also demonstrated statistically significant smaller changes for medial rugae points in almost every dimension compared to the lateral rugae points. These results comply with the growth patterns of maxilla and rugae point displacements reported in similar studies., Conclusion: Considering the variable stability of rugae points during growth, the weighted rugae superimposition method results in more promising registrations on serial models. This method prioritizes registration landmarks based on clinical criteria of choice and is suitable for analysis of other structures such as tooth movements., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Palatal rugae patterns are anatomic structures considered unique to each person. Monozygotic twins present similarities, however, Rugoscopy in particular, may contribute to their individualization for forensic purposes. The aims of this study were: to study the palatal rugae classifications of Briñón; to propose improvements to facilitate use of this method, if pertinent; and to characterize palatal rugae in a sample of Brazilian monozygotic twins and singletons. Precise reproducibility of the two methods of Briñón, from 1982 and 2011, was prevented by poor intra-examiner agreement (70% and 13% respectively). Our proposed improvements to these methods, although preliminary, were associated with better results. The most common palatal rugae patterns were types A, M, and Q. Palatal rugae were confirmed to be unique to each individual, even in monozygotic twins. Furthermore, twins did not exhibit any special patterns that might facilitate their differentiation from singletons.

Objective: Investigation of the computerized dimensional anatomic location of the greater palatine foramen (GPF) and lesser palatine foramens (LPF) is important indicating site to collect palatal donor tissue, reconstructioning the orofacial area of the oncology patient and applying the greater palatine nerve block anesthesia. The aim of this study is to determine a patient-friendly landmark and to specify the precise location of the GPF in order to standardise certain anatomical marks of safe neurovascular bundle., Materials and Methods: 120 bony palates were examined to detect the position of the GPF and the LPF related to adjacent anatomical landmarks using a computer software program. The GPF was assessed regarding the position, the diameter and the distances between each foramen and the midline maxillary suture (MMS), the inner border of alveolar ridge (AR), posterior palatal border (PBB), and incisive foramen (IF)., Results: The GPF was identified as single in 81 %, double in 16 %, triple in 2 % and absent in 2 % of the specimens. The mean distances between the GPF and the MSS, the GPF and the AR, the GPF and the PPB, the GPF and the IF were 16, 4, 4, and 40 mm, respectively. In majority of the cases, the GPF was seen between the distal surfaces of the third maxillary molar (78 %). Single LPF was observed in 53.45 % of the skulls, two LPF were observed in 31 % of the skulls bilaterally and five LPF were rare in 2.1 % of the specimens. The LPF was most commonly at the junction of the palatine bone and the inner lamella of the pterygoid plate (71.9 %)., Conclusions: This study made possible to investigate the variability of the GPF and the feasibility of the greater palatine neurovascular bundle, and to calculate the lengths of some parameters with the help of certain software. To collect the donor tissue of the neurovascular greater palatine network, each distance among the AR-GPF-PPB were equal to 4 mm. To estimate the possible length of the graft, the incision was made along the third and the second molar to the IF as 4 cm. The data we obtained within this study have been presented to help the surgeons avoid unexpected hemorrhage during the palatinal procedures such as posttraumatic dental reconstruction, maxillofacial tumor resections, palatal micro-implants, and dentofacial orthopedic surgery.

The main idea behind age assessment in adults is related to the analysis of the physiological degeneration of particular skeletal structures with age. The main issues with these procedures are due to the fact that they have not been tested on different modern populations and in different taphonomic contexts and that they tend to underestimate the age of older individuals. The purpose of this study was to test the applicability and the reliability of these methods on a contemporary population of skeletal remains of 145 elderly individuals of known sex and age. The results show that, due to taphonomic influences, some skeletal sites showed a lower survival. Therefore, the methods with the highest percentage of applicability were Lovejoy (89.6%) and Rougé-Maillart (81.3%), followed by Suchey-Brooks (59.3%), and those with the lowest percentage of applicability were Beauthier (26.2%) and Iscan (22.7%). In addition, this research has shown how for older adults the study of both acetabulum and auricular surface may be more reliable for aging. This is also in accordance with the fact that auricular surface and the acetabulum are the areas more frequently surviving taphonomic insult., (© 2016 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.)

Background: There is increasing frequency of dentoalveolar and palatal implants placed in the posterior maxilla for prosthodontic and orthodontic purposes. The purpose of this study is to provide information on the location and morphology of the greater palatine grooves (GPG) in the hard palate and to promote awareness of this structure., Methods: Eighty-nine cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were analysed for the presence of a groove, crest or bridging., Results: This study on the morphology of the GPG in the maxillary first and second molar regions showed three distinct appearances: (1) no palatal groove; (2) one palatal groove; (3) two palatal grooves. The detection frequency of no palatal groove in the first molar region was 60%, 34% had one groove and 6% having two grooves. The detection frequency of no palatal groove in the second molar region was 72%, 26% had one groove and 2% had two grooves. The number of crests in the first and second molar regions ranged from 0 to 3., Conclusions: The present study demonstrates a great variation in morphology of the GPG of the hard palate. Knowledge of the GPG will decrease possible complications of implant surgery, particularly palatal implant surgery and to not confuse the GPG with pathology., (© 2015 Australian Dental Association.)

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the palatal ruga patterns in subjects with oligodontia and normal tooth numbers., Methods: An observational investigation was conducted by using maxillary dental study casts to compare ruga numbers, lengths, and shapes in subjects with diagnosed oligodontia or normal tooth numbers., Results: A total of 32 subjects comprised both the oligodontia (mean age, 14.0 years; SD, 5.0 years) and the control (mean age, 14.5 years; SD, 5.1 years) groups. The mean number of missing teeth in the oligodontia group was 8.7. The mean number of rugae in the whole sample was 7.36 (SD, 1.16), with no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.264). For ruga pattern, no differences were found for right-sided rugae; however, on the left side, a significant difference existed in shape frequency associated with ruga 2. Specifically, a curved shape was seen more frequently in ruga 2 of the oligodontia group (P = 0.01)., Conclusions: The identification of subtle differences in ruga patterns between subjects with oligodontia and normal tooth numbers suggests potentially shared pathways during the development of these oral structures. Further large-scale investigations are warranted., (Copyright © 2016 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between upper airway dimensions and hyoid bone position in Chinese adolescents based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. CBCT images from a total of 254 study subjects were included. The upper airway and hyoid bone parameters were measured by Materialism's interactive medical image control system (MIMICS) v.16.01 (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). The airway dimensions were evaluated in terms of volume, cross-sectional area (CSA), mean CSA, length, anteroposterior dimension of the cross-section (AP), lateral dimension of the cross-section (LAT), and LAT/AP ratio. The hyoid bone position was evaluated using eight linear parameters and two angular parameters. Facial characteristics were evaluated using three linear parameters and three angular parameters. Most hyoid bone position parameters (especially the distance between the hyoid bone and hard palate) were significantly associated with most airway dimension parameters. Significant correlations were also observed between the different facial characteristic parameters and hyoid bone position parameters. Most airway dimension parameters showed significant correlations with linear facial parameters, but they displayed significant correlations with only a few angular facial parameters. These findings provide an understanding of the static relationship between the hyoid bone position and airway dimensions, which may serve as a reference for surgeons before orthodontic or orthognathic surgery., (Copyright © 2016 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Palatal rugae patterning has been suggested as useful complementary information for forensic purposes, when there are limitations in using the primary identifiers and when the individual patterning from e.g. a dental cast can be traced or the pattern can differentiate between alternative populations of origin., Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the rugae patterns in a sample modern Indonesian population, to compare the patterns to previously reported observations, and to consider the requirements for possible forensic applications., Material and Methods: Archival dental casts were randomly selected to include 47 male and 53 female Indonesian patients of the Dental Hospital of the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Indonesia. The age and ethnic/geographic origin of the subjects were also recorded. The Trobo classification was applied to analyze the rugae shape patterns., Results: The results showed the line, sinuous, and curve types of rugae as predominant shapes, representing together about 83% of the rugae of the study sample that for its size was considered reasonably representative of the Indonesian population. All recorded individual rugae patterns were unique, i.e. no similar patterns were found for any two individuals. The results are consistent with slow rugae loss at an average rate of one ruga in about 15 (±2) years after early adulthood., Conclusions: The palatal rugae patterns provide potentially useful supplementary information to establish the identity of an individual, but only when appropriate antemortem data are available. For this purpose, it is suggested that optical 3D oral/dental scanning is used to retain the data on the rugal and oropalatal patterns. Suitable pattern recognition methods may also reduce the potential effects of rugae modification in time.

Introduction: This study was conducted to compare the rugae patterns between two major ethnic groups in Nigeria to establish any peculiarities. This will serve as basis for population identification especially in mass disasters involving individuals of different races or ethnicities., Methods: One hundred consenting participants, 50 of south-western Yoruba ethnicity and 50 of south-eastern Igbo ethnicity were recruited; impressions of the upper jaws were taken and cast with dental stone. Two blinded investigators then delineated and recorded the rugae pattern of individual casts. The rugae patterns for the two groups were then analysed using the SPSS version 16., Results: The Yoruba's had more of wavy and straight patterns while there were more of curve and circular among the Ibo's, however, there was no significant differences between the two groups in the mean incidence of the various rugae shapes of wavy, circular, curve and straight (p = 0.843, p = 0.711, p = 0.309 and p = 0.292 respectively). There were more secondary rugae in the Igbo than the Yoruba group and the differences in the mean incidences were significant., Conclusion: The study observed several rugae similarities and no significant differences in the primary rugae shapes of the Igbos and Yoruba ethnicities, however, there were significant differences in the sum of secondary and unclassified rugae between the two groups; therefore, rugoscopy may be useful in ethnic differentiation.

The goal of this study is to identify and compare palatal rugae patterns in males and females of an average age of 35 in a sample population from Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sarajevo Canton), as an additional method for sex differentiation in various situations. The research did not determine any statistically significant difference in the total number of palatal rugae between the sexes, which is in line with previous research. However, in the case of the number of secondary palatal rugae where the probability of an equal average is slightly higher than the tolerance of 5%, the difference being 7.6% which may indicate that secondary palatal rugae are more common in women. However, logistic regression analysis LRA is still more successful in classifying males, 69% of them, while for women the success rate is significantly lower with only 41%. In total, 55% of subjects were correctly classified. It may be concluded that using LRA in palatal rugae could be used as an additional sex differentiation method for the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.)

The primary focus of this study was to assess age-related changes in the vertical distance of the estimated level of velopharyngeal closure in relation to a prominent landmark of the cervical spine: the anterior tubercle of cervical vertebra 1 (C1). Midsagittal anatomic magnetic resonance images were examined across 51 participants with normal head and neck anatomy between 4 and 17 years of age. Results indicate that age is a strong predictor (P = 0.002) of the vertical distance between the level of velopharyngeal closure relative to C1. Specifically, as age increases, the vertical distance between the palatal plane and C1 becomes greater resulting in the level of velopharyngeal closure being located higher above C1 (range 4.88-10.55 mm). Results of this study provide insights into the clinical usefulness of using C1 as a surgical landmark for placement of pharyngoplasties in children with repaired cleft palate and persistent hypernasal speech. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.

Objectives: It remains unclear how the realignments of the face and basicranium that characterize humans were acquired, both phylogenetically and ontogenetically. The developmentally constrained nature of the skull has been previously demonstrated in other primates using Donald H. Enlow's mammalian craniofacial architectural relationships. Here, we compare crania of our closest relatives to gain greater understanding of how and why the relationship of the face and cranial base is developmentally constrained in order to inform instances of abnormal growth and clinical intervention., Study Design: A method for evaluating these fundamental architectural relationships using 3D landmark data was developed, thereby taking overall size and the geometric relationships among points into account. A sample of cone-beam computed tomography scans derived from humans and extant apes were analyzed (n=10 and n=6, respectively), as well as fossil hominid crania (n=7). Landmarks for 23 craniofacial architectural points were identified and recorded., Results and Conclusions: Principal components analyses reveal that despite the similarities in craniofacial architecture between humans, extant apes and fossil hominids, appreciable trends in variation between the extant species suggest that the repositioning of the foramen magnum was only one of a constellation of traits that realigned the basicranium and face during the transition to bipedalism.

Objective: To describe the nasopharyngeal airway dimensions of two brachycephalic breeds and to localize the area of smallest airway dimensions., Study Design: Prospective, descriptive, computed tomographic imaging study., Animals: Thirty pugs and 30 French bulldogs with brachycephalic upper airway syndrome., Methods: The thickness and length of the soft palate, cross-sectional area of the airway passage dorsal to the soft and hard palates, and cross-sectional area of the frontal sinus were measured and normalized to each dog's skull index and body weight before statistical comparison between breeds. Nasopharyngeal turbinates and surrounding airway space, and a possible relationship between the canine tooth angulation and the severity of airway obstruction were assessed., Results: Pugs had significantly smaller cross-sectional areas of the airway dorsal to the soft and hard palates than French bulldogs. In both breeds, the smallest nasopharyngeal cross-sectional areas were located dorsal to the caudal end of the soft palate. The soft palate of pugs was significantly shorter than that of French bulldogs and also significantly thinner when normalized to each dog's skull index. Pugs more commonly exhibited nasopharyngeal turbinates. Pugs had significantly smaller air-filled cavities at the location of the frontal sinus. No correlation between the nasopharyngeal dimensions and canine tooth angulation was observed., Conclusion: Computed tomographic assessment of the upper airway morphology showed the smallest nasopharyngeal cross-sectional areas were located dorsal to the caudal end of the soft palate in both breeds. Pugs had a smaller nasopharyngeal cross-sectional area despite smaller soft palate dimensions than French bulldogs., (© Copyright 2015 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)

The aim of this study was to assess the presence, location and, multiplanar distance of the canalis sinuosus (CS) between the incisive foramen and the anterior maxillary alveolar ridge using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Therefore, 500 CBCT maxillary images obtained from male and female patients aged 20 to 80 years were selected to assist in the dental treatment. Low-quality tomographic images were discarded. All images were captured with the i-CATTM Classic tomograph and assessed using the XoranCatTM software. The axial sections were analyzed at the incisive foramen in order to verify the CS presence in laterality and location. Furthermore, linear measurements of the nasal cavity floor, buccal cortical bone, and alveolar ridge crest were made. All the collected data were statistically analyzed. Results show a variation of the CS in relation to the classification and distance of anatomical structures, but no significant difference between the right and left sides. It should be highlighted that CBCT is necessary before invasive procedures in order to preserve important anatomical structures. In conclusion, the location of the CS varies in relation to the alveolar ridge crest and buccal cortical bone, assuming that it is going to be located by the upper lateral incisor palatine.

In maxillary molar region implant therapy, support is sometimes obtained from trabecular bone comprising the maxillary tuberosity, pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone, and pyramidal process of the palatine bone. Great care is necessary in such cases due to the presence of the greater palatine canal, which forms a passageway for the greater palatine artery, vein, and nerve. However, clinical anatomical reports envisioning embedding of pterygomaxillary implants in this trabecular bone region have been limited in number. In this study, the 3-D morphology of the greater palatine canal region, including the maxillary tuberosity region and points requiring particular care in pterygomaxillary implantation, were therefore investigated. Micro-CT was used to image 20 dentulous jaws (40 sides) harvested from the dry skulls of Japanese individuals with a mean age of 28.2 years at time of death. The skulls were obtained from the Jikei University School of Medicine cadaver repository. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the trabecular bone region, including the greater palatine canal, was performed using software for 3-D measurement of trabecular bone structure. Trabecular bone region morphometry was performed with the hamular notch-incisive papilla (HIP) plane as the reference plane. The results showed a truncated-cone structure with the greater palatine foramen as the base extending to the pterygopalatine fossa. This indicates the need for care with respect to proximity of the dental implant body to the greater palatine canal and the risk of perforation if it is embedded in the maxillary tuberosity region at an inclination of 60° toward the lingual side. Moreover, caution must be exercised to avoid possible damage to the medial wall of the maxillary sinus if the inclination of the embedded dental implant body is almost perpendicular to the HIP plane.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the neurovascular bundle (NVB) position with cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT)., Methods: CBCT images of 345 patients were evaluated. The distance from the neurovascular bundle to the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) was measured (DNB). The distance from mid-palatal suture to the alveolar crest was used to determine the palatal depth. Palatal junction angle (PA) was measured using the junction angle between the hard palate and alveolar crest. The relationships between the DNB and the palatal depth and between these two parameters and the PA were evaluated. Student's t-test was used to analyze the differences in DNB related to gender, and the correlation between the DNB while Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between the DNB and age (p = 0.05). The relationship between the DNB and the palatal depth, and the relationship between these two parameters and the PA were also evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis., Results: Except at the canine and first premolar areas the DNB was positively correlated with the palatal depth. No significant relationship between the PA and DNB or with PVD was observed. The highest DNB was 14 mm at the first molar, and the lowest was 10.8 mm at the canine., Conclusions: Care is needed while rotating flap and harvesting the subepithelial connective tissue graft at the canine area because the neurovascular bundle passes approximately 11 mm apically to CEJ at the canine region.

Aim: The aim of this retrospective investigation was to measure vertical bone thickness on the hard palate, determine areas with adequate bone for the insertion of orthodontic mini-implants (MIs), and provide clinical guidelines for identification of those areas., Materials and Methods: Pre-treatment records of 1007 patients were reviewed by a single examiner. A total of 125 records fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were further investigated. Bone measurements were performed on cone-beam computed tomography scans, at a 90° angle to the bone surface, on 28 predetermined and standardized points on the hard palate. Bone thickness at various areas was associated to clinically identifiable areas on the hard palate by means of pre-treatment plaster models., Results: Bone thickness ranged between 1.51 and 13.86 mm (total thickness) and 0.33 and 1.65 mm (cortical bone thickness), respectively. Bone thickness was highest in the anterior palate and decreased significantly towards more posterior areas. Plaster model analysis revealed that bone thickness was highest at the level of the third palatal ruga., Conclusions: The areas on the anterior palate with adequate bone thickness for successful insertion of orthodontic MI correspond to the region of the third palatal ruga. These results provide stable and clinically identifiable landmarks for the insertion of palatal MIs., (© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Orthodontic Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of conventional maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) and modified MMA with anterior segmental setback osteotomy (MMA-ASSO) on the airway changes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) using three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (3D-CFD) analysis., Methods: Two adult male patients with Class I malocclusion, lip protrusion, acute nasolabial angle, and OSAS were treated with conventional MMA (Case 1) and modified MMA-ASSO (Case 2). Individualized 3D airway models were fabricated using computed tomography data obtained 1 month before (T0) and at least 6 months after surgery (T1). A total of 7 cross-sectional areas of the airway were established, starting just above the hard palate (plane 1) with interval of 1 mm caudally. Airflow velocity and negative pressure were investigated using CFD analysis, and polysomnography studies were performed at T0 and T1., Results: There were improvement of apnea-hypoapnea index and the lowest O2 level (T0 versus T1; 43.2 versus 15.2, 79% versus 90% in Case 1; 61.0 versus 6, 89% versus 92% in Case 2). At plane 2 (retropalatal area) in Cases 1 and 2, there were increase in the smallest cross-sectional areas (57.9% versus 28.4%), decrease in the airflow velocity and increase in the negative pressure at the peak of expiration (49.5% versus 31.7%; 88.4% versus 54.3%), end after expiration (53.2% versus 32.2%; 83.2% versus 47.9%), and peak of inspiration (53.1% versus 29.2%; 75.3% versus 48.2%)., Conclusion: Modified MMA-ASSO method might be an effective treatment option for OSAS patients with improvement of airway problems and esthetic facial profile.

Objective: To discuss the soft palate, hard palate and mandibule for the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of patients who have obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome., Method: There were 52 patients with OSAHS diagnosed by the PSG and 32 cases of normal healthy volunteers in our hospital. All objects were given 128 slice spiral CT scan of the upper airway. We measured the related indexes of the soft palate, hard palate and mandible, then analysed statistical differences between them and did Pearson correlation analysis with apnea hypoventilation index (AHI), average blood oxygen saturation (MSaO2) in PSG., Result: Compared with the control group, the soft palate length [(37.93 ± 5.20)mm VS (33.52 ± 4.25)mm] and the distance between mandible with cervical vertebra [(75.00 ± 7.10)mm VS (69.93 ± 5.58)mm] increased significantly, but the distance of trailing edge of hard palate to inferior margin of slope significantly reduced [(42.57 ± 4.52)mm VS (45.80 ± 2.94)mm, P < 0.01] in patients with OSAHS. Each measurement associated with AHI and MSaO2 had no significant correlation (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: The soft palate, hard palate and mandibular are some of the important risk factors of OSAHS, and they also have reference value for the choice of clinical treatment operation. Preoperative CT examination can offer help in the treatment of OSAHS.

We have performed a detailed morphometric analysis of the length and anatomic routes of the greater palatine canal (GPC) and a systematic review of the literature on the anatomy of the GPC with the aim of informing dentists, maxillofacial surgeons, otorhinolaryngologists and other specialists performing procedures in the area of the GPC. In total, we analysed 1,500 archived adult head computed tomography scans to determine the length of the GPC and of the routes on both sides, as well as the dimensions and opening directions of the greater palatine foramen. The systematic review of the literature was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The study group comprised 783 females (52.2%) and 717 males with a mean (± standard deviation) age of 42.1 ± 16.9 years; there was significant difference in age between sexes (p = 0.33). The average length of the GPC was 31.1 ± 2.9 (range 15-44) mm. The GPC travelled three different paths in the sagittal plane and four different paths in the coronal plane. Most often it descended from the pterygopalatine fossa inferiorly before changing to an anterior-inferior direction (68.4%; sagittal plane) and inferior-laterally before changing to an inferior-medial direction (40.7%; (coronal plane). In total, the GPF had four different opening directions: inferior-anterior-medial (82.1%), inferior-anterior-lateral (4.0%), anterior (7.6%), and vertical (5.3%). Twenty-five studies were included in the systematic review. In conclusion, the information presented here provides clinicians with the anatomical knowledge necessary to minimize the risk of complications when performing procedures involving infiltration of the GPC.

Purpose: This descriptive retrospective study analyzed differences among sagittal, coronal and axial NC groups based on the dimensions of nasopalatine canal (NC), buccal bone plate (BBP) and palatal bone plate (PBP) to canal., Methods: Measurements were made on 224 CBCTs for NC, BBP and PBP on the three anatomic planes at three levels: level 1, when the incisive foramen is completely closed on the axial plane; level 2, at the midpoint of NC length (NCL) on the sagittal plane; and level 3, at the foramina of Stenson on the sagittal plane. ANOVA tests with post hoc tests were used. The intraclass correlation coefficient and Kappa test were used for evaluating the intraobserver agreement., Results: Regarding coronal classification, these significant differences were found: BBP length (BL)level 1 was lower for the two parallel canals group; PBP length (PL)level 1 was lower for single canal group; and NCL was lower for Y-type canal group. Regarding axial classification, these significant differences were found: LPlevel 1 was lower for 3.1-3 group; PBP width (PW)level 3 was the greatest for 3.1-3; and LPlevel 3 was lower for 1.1., Conclusions: Presurgical evaluation with CBCT in premaxillae region should include analysis on coronal and axial planes and not only on sagittal plane seeing as morphometric differences were found on coronal and axial planes. Following the morphological coronal classification, two parallel canals presented a higher NCL, a higher LP and a lower LV at inferior edge of alveolar ridge.

Objective: To analyze the relation between the anthropometric linear measurements of the skull and face and the measurements of width and length of the hard palate., Methods: Twenty-three human skulls were used, and the measurements were collected with the help of a caliper and pelvimeter. The following linear measurements were studied: maximum cranial length, biporion distance, maximum face width, nasal height, palatal length, and palatal width., Results: After a complete descriptive assessment of the variables, we observed homogeneity in the measurements of the skull, face, and palate. There were correlations, with higher significance, between the palatal length and width and the maximum face width and the biporion distance, respectively. The biporion distance was the only measurement that was significant in the explanation, generating formulas to obtain the palatal length and width., Conclusion: It is possible to estimate the palatal length and the palatal width using the two models (formulas) through the measurements of the biporion distance. Because in the literature, there is no consensus, there is a need for standardization when obtaining the linear measurements of the palate.

The canalis sinuosus (CS) is a neurovascular canal, a branch of the infraorbital canal through which the anterior superior alveolar nerve passes. There are no studies or case reports of anatomical variations related to this canal. A rare case of anatomical variation in the CS is reported that was detected by cone beam computed tomography done in a 47-year-old female as a pre-operative workup before dental implants. In this case, in the region slightly medial to tooth 23, a wide accessory branch from the CS was observed, running an intraosseous course in the inferior and posterior direction up to a foramen located in the hard palate, slightly medial in relation to tooth 23. The location of this branching, as well as its neurovascular component, is important for dental implant planning because of its proximity to the upper teeth. Identification of neurovascular bundles is fundamental to avoid complications for the patient.

This study was designed to assess the gross morphometric studies of the tongue, hard palate and buccal cavity of the fruit bat (Eidolon helvum). Sixty bats of both sexes were used for this study. The tongue was excised, and the weight and various linear measurements were determined. Linear measurements were also determined on the hard palate. The gross distribution of the lingual papillae was observed to be the same in both sexes; values obtained for the weight and length of the tongue were higher in the females, although no statistically significant differences were observed (P > 0.05). The number of ridges on the hard palate displayed sexual dimorphism. Results obtained from this study may find application in the field of comparative and clinical anatomy of wildlife and also in feeding physiology., (© 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Objective: To evaluate the stability and bone availability of the most distal (third) palatal ruga, as an anatomical region for safe insertion of orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs) in the anterior palate., Study Design: Orthodontic records of 35 patients were analysed. Initial (T1) and final (T2) study models were bisected and the outline of the palatal contour was marked on the surface. Models were scanned and the palatal contours were superimposed on the palatal structures on the respective initial and final cephalometric images. Cephalometric measurements were used to assess vertical (3rdRug-PP, 2ndRug-PP, and 1stRug-PP), and oblique bone levels (3rdRug-U1, 2ndRug-U1, 1stRug-U1, and 3rdRug-U1(o)). Paired Student's t-test was used to compare measurements between T1 and T2., Results: The position of the third palatal ruga remained stable during orthodontic treatment (Δ2ndRug-3rdRug P = 0.1mm; P = 0.61 and Δ1stRug-3rdRug P = 0.2mm; P = 0.39). Bone availability also remained adequate (3rdRug-U1T2 (o) = 9.9mm)., Conclusion: The third palatal ruga is a reliable clinical landmark to evaluate bone availability for the placement of OMIs in the anterior palate., (© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Orthodontic Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in dry skulls the length and angle between the greater palatine foramen and the foramen rotundum in both the frontal and sagittal planes. In 50 human skulls from the department of morphology, the distance and angulation required to reach the foramen rotundum through the greater palatine canal were measured in the frontal and sagittal planes. A stylet was introduced up to the foramen rotundum in each greater palatine canal and fixed. The skulls were then photographed from a front and lateral view (both right and left). Finally, the stylets were photographed on graph paper. These images were analyzed with Photoshop software. In the frontal plane, mean angulations of 5.32 degrees on the right side and 6.15 degrees on the left side were obtained. In the sagittal plane, mean angulations of 61.66 degrees on the right side and 61.81 degrees on the left side were obtained. Finally, the mean length required to reach the foramen rotundum was 31.95  mm on the right side and 32.49  mm on the left side. Some of these results differ from those stated in the foreign literature (10 degrees front, 70 degrees sagittal). These differences should be considered for both clinical practice and teaching in Chile.

The amniote primary palate encompasses the upper lip and the nasal cavities. During embryonic development, the primary palate forms from the fusion of the maxillary, medial nasal and lateral nasal prominences. In mammals, as the primary palate fuses, the nasal and oral cavities become completely separated. Subsequently, the tissue demarcating the future internal nares (choanae) thins and becomes the bucconasal membrane, which eventually ruptures and allows for the essential connection of the oral and nasal cavities to form. In reptiles (including birds), the other major amniote group, primary palate ontogeny is poorly studied with respect to prominence fusion, especially the formation of a bucconasal membrane. Using 3D optical projection tomography, we found that the prominences that initiate primary palate formation are similar between mammals and crocodilians but distinct from turtles and lizards, which are in turn similar to each other. Chickens are distinct from all non-avian lineages and instead resemble human embryos in this aspect. The majority of reptiles maintain a communication between the oral and nasal cavities via the choanae during primary palate formation. However, crocodiles appear to have a transient separation between the oral and nasal cavities. Furthermore, the three lizard species examined here, exhibit temporary closure of their external nares via fusion of the lateral nasal prominences with the frontonasal mass, subsequently reopening them just before hatching. The mechanism of the persistent choanal opening was examined in chicken embryos. The mesenchyme posterior/dorsal to the choana had a significant decline in proliferation index, whereas the mesenchyme of the facial processes remained high. This differential proliferation allows the choana to form a channel between the oral and nasal cavities as the facial prominences grow and fuse around it. Our data show that primary palate ontogeny has been modified extensively to support the array of morphological diversity that has evolved among amniotes., (© 2015 Anatomical Society.)

This study investigated the morphometric changes that occur in palatal rugae during orthodontic treatment. The potential impact of these changes on the individuality of the palatal rugae patterns and on the use of palatal rugae patterns in human identification was also explored. Fifty pairs of pre- and post-orthodontic treatment dental casts were used. The palatal rugae patterns were compared between each pre-treatment cast and its post-treatment counterpart to reveal any morphometric changes. In addition, the individuality of the pre- and post-treatment sets of the casts was evaluated. Finally, a matching test of the palatal rugae patterns was performed in which the ability to match each post-treatment cast with its duplicate was compared with the ability to match that post-treatment cast with its pre-treatment counterpart. Statistical analysis of the results revealed the incidence of several morphometric changes, including segmentation (22%); unification (20%); changes in orientation (6%), shape (6%), and length (28%); anteroposterior displacement of the medial (54%) and lateral (60%) end of the ruga; and mediolateral displacement of the medial end of ruga (20%). The individuality of the palatal rugae patterns was confirmed in both pre- and post-treatment sets of casts. Finally, the mean percentage of correct matches was found to be significantly higher when the post-treatment casts were matched with their duplicates compared to when they were matched with their pre-treatment counterparts. The study revealed that Orthodontic treatment induces various morphometric changes in the palatal rugae patterns. These changes may potentially complicate palatal rugae-based human identification., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To investigate the influence of breathing mode and nasal patency in the dimensions of the hard palate by comparing mouth breathing (MB) and nasal breathing (NB) adults., Methods: Seventy-seven individuals, distributed into the MB group (n=38) and the NB group (n=39), of both genders and aged between 18 and 30 years old, took part in the study. The respiratory mode diagnosis was based on anamnesis, physical characteristics, and otorhinolaryngological examination. The volunteers were evaluated in terms of nasal patency, with a peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) meter, and obstruction symptoms, by a Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, and had their transversal and vertical hard palate dimensions measured with a digital caliper in plaster models., Results: Comparing both groups, the MB group presented significantly higher values in the NOSE scale, lower values in the PNIF, lower values in the transversal distance of the palate in the intercanine region, and significantly higher values in the vertical distance in the regions of the first and second premolars and molars. There was a negative correlation between PNIF and NOSE, and a positive correlation between PNIF and transversal distance of the palate in the region of the first premolars., Conclusion: MB adults presented reduced nasal patency and a higher degree of nasal obstruction symptoms. The hard palate was morphologically narrower and deeper in adults with the MB mode compared to the NB mode. Moreover, it was concluded that the smaller the nasal patency, the greater the obstruction symptoms and the narrower the hard palate.

Morphometric characteristics of a palato-alveolar complex were studied in the skulls of 150 adult individuals with various shapes of a facial and cerebral skull. No statistically significant differences in the parameters of a palato-alveolar complex were established between the groups systematized by the value of their transverse-longitudinal index of the brain skull. However, the significant differences were found between the groups of skulls, selected by the value of upper facial index. Thus, the width of the palate at the level of canines, premolars and molars, the width of the alveolar arc at the same levels and the distances between greater palatine foramena were significantly higher in the group of euriprosops. Using Pearson linear correlation, a positive correlation of various degrees was shown between the parameters of a cerebral and facial skull and the sizes of a palato-alveolar complex. The dependence between the shape of the facial skull and the form of a palato-alveolar complex was also noted. Parameters characterizing the position of greater palatine foramen relative to other anatomical structures were found to have low variability.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether the sphenovomerine suture (SVS) can be used as a landmark to localize the sphenoidal sinus ostium., Methods: Endoscopic imaging was done on 152 skulls to identify ostium of the sphenoidal sinus, the SVS, and the articulation of sphenoidal process of palatine bone between the body of the sphenoid and the sphenopalatine foramen. The variables were as follows: (1) the distance between the medial border of the ostium and SVS (DSO-SVS); (2) the angle between them (ASO-SVS); (3) the distance between the inferior border of the ostium and the horizontal line (DSO-HL); (4) the distance between intersection point of the SVS-sphenoidal process of the palatine bone and the medial border of sphenopalatine foramen (DSPF-SVS); and (5) the number of sphenopalatine foramen., Results: Of the 152 skulls, 289 sides were included in the study. The mean value for DSO-SVS was 3.15 (1.35) mm, DSO-HL was 5.99 (2.38) mm, DSPF-SVS was 7.07 (1.96) mm, and ASO-SVS was 5.99 (9.73) mm. As DSPF-SVS decreases, DSO-SVS and DSO-HL decrease with statistical significance (Ps = 0.02 and 0.001, respectively). The distribution of the numbers of sphenopalatine foramen was as follows: one 90%, two 9.7%, and four 0.3%., Conclusions: The horizontal distance between the SVS and the sphenopalatine foramen plays a significant role in identifying the location of sphenoid sinus ostium. As with the other landmarks, the SVS provides an additional benefit in locating the sphenoid sinus ostium for endoscopic sinus surgeons. The incidence of 4 sphenopalatine foramen is 0.3%.