Objective: To establish precise positional references for orthognathic surgery by examining the relative positioning of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) in relation to the anterior nasal spine (ANS) and the mental foramen (MF) in relation to the pogonion (Pog).
Methods: A cohort of 115 patients with CBCT images was randomly selected for analysis. Distances and positional relationships between the IOF and ANS, as well as the MF and Pog, were measured using 3D reconstruction images.
Results: On average, the ANS was situated 21.40 mm below the IOF, with a horizontal distance of 26.42 mm. The horizontal and vertical distances between the MF and Pog were 23.57 and 9.71 mm, respectively. Scatter plots centred on the ANS indicated that 83% (191/230) of the IOF were distributed in a 30- to 45-degree fan shape, the radius of which ranged from 30 to 40 mm. Similarly, 98% (226/230) of the MF occupied a 45-degree fan shape within a 20 to 30 mm radius in the bilateral superior quadrant centred on the Pog.
Conclusion: During maxillary osteotomy, there is a potential risk of damaging the infraorbital neurovascular bundle located 21.40 mm above the ANS. To mitigate the risk of IOF injury, caution is advised, particularly when retracting the flap below a 30-degree fan shape within a 30 to 40 mm radius centred on the ANS and a 45-degree fan shape within a 20 to 30 mm radius centred on the Pog. Special attention is warranted during flap elevation in this specified area.
Keywords: CBCT, infraorbital foramen, mental foramen, orthognathic surgery
