Anatomical Appraisal of the Nasopalatine Canal in CT scans of normal Sudanese Individuals: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

The incisive and nasal foramina are located at the two opposing extremities of the maxillary incisive canal (IC), which connects the floor of the nasal cavity with the roof of the oral cavity. Its proximity to the anterior incisors makes it difficult to insert immediate implants in the optimal position. This study aimed to evaluate the dimensions of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) in the normal Sudanese individuals using computed tomography and to investigate its correlation with age and sex.

This study was conducted in the radiology department of the Omdurman Military Hospital and Al-Ragi University Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan. CT scans were collected with Siemens Scanner and a 16-slice General Electric CT scanner. The study measured the dimensions of the NPC, including mesiodistal (MD) and labiopalatal (LP) widths, length, and the thickness of the bone anterior to the NPC.

The study revealed that, no statistically significant association was found between the age and length of the canal in male, and female. A significant positive correlation was present between age and LP width in male, and between age and MD width in female. No statistically significant relationship was found between the age and the bone thickness anterior to the NPC in male, and female. There was a statistically significant difference in the length of the IC between the sexes. No statistically significant difference was found between the sexes regarding canal width and bone thickness anterior to the canal.

The length of the NPC differs between the sexes, with males having a longer canal than females. Bone thickness anterior to the IC has not changed significantly with age, but it does decrease slightly. Furthermore, the canal appears to enlarge with increasing age.