(635.4) Variations in the bony architecture of the greater palatine canal: An anatomical report

Poster Board Number: C109
Introduction: AAA has separate poster presentation times for odd and even posters.
Odd poster #s – 10:15 am – 11:15 am
Even poster #s – 11:15 am – 12:15 pm

Sahar Hafeez (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine), Ali Ansari (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine), Marjorie Johnson (Western University), Galil Khadry (Western University)

Introduction: The greater palatine canal route has been well-described in adults for the purposes of anesthetizing the branches of the maxillary division of trigeminal nerve for the relief of sphenopalatine neuralgia [11]. The canal also provides direct access to the contents of the PPF [12]. A complex array of vascular and neural structures characterizes this posterior maxillary region where the GPC is located. Its surgical anatomy can get further complicated by any anatomic variations and identification of vital structures becomes difficult, especially when bleeding during surgery obscures the region. Accurate knowledge of normal anatomy and common anatomical variations therefore remain crucial in minimizing intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with invasive microsurgical approaches to this region. The aim of this study was to explore the architecture of the GPC for any anatomic variations.

Material amp;

Method: In total, 30 adult dried and intact skull specimens were selected. The selection criteria included an intact hard palate with erupted 3rd molars and an intact lateral nasal wall on both sides. The exclusion criteria included any major craniofacial deformities, excessive bone resorption, very old specimens. The bony walls of the GPC were observed by passing a black wire.

Findings: 4 out of 30 specimens showed marked variations in the bony medial wall of the greater palatine canal (GPC). Partial to complete malfusion between the posterior surface of the maxilla and the perpendicular plate of palatine bone was observed. This might be the result of embryological malformation.

Conclusion: The present study provided information regarding the existence of some degree of anatomical variation in the bony architecture of greater palatine canal.

Significance: This might help surgeons visualize over the possibility of the existence of any such variation while performing any surgical procedure in the posterior maxillary area. In order to establish the embryological basis of these findings, investigation on a larger number of specimens is highly suggested by the authors.





Black wire inserted in the GPF passing through the left GPC. Note that the wire is invisible from the nasal side as the bony medial wall is intact. Legends: a, Hard palate b, Zygomatic arch c, Maxilla d, Posterior nasal spine e, Pterygomaxillary fissure f, bony medial wall of GPC; Black wire inserted in the GPF passing through the right GPC. Note that only a bar of bone is representing the medial wall of the canal. Legends: a, Hard palate b, Zygomatic arch c, Maxilla d, Posterior nasal spine e, Pterygomaxillary fissure