MORPHOLOGICAL AND MORPHOMETRIC VARIATIONS IN THE SUPRAORBITAL NOTCH OF SOUTH INDIAN POPULATION

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The junction between medial one third and lateral two third of the supraorbital margin presents with supraorbital notch, which may be sometimes bridged into foramen. The precise location and morphological variations of the supraorbital notch are important while performing surgeries and for treating intractable cases of migraine.
AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed in studying these possible variations and to calculate mean distance of the supraorbital notch from the midline.
METHODS: The study has been conducted in the Department of Anatomy, of Government Medical College, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh. RESULTS: 45% skulls showed bilateral supraorbital notch while, 39% skulls showed bilateral supraorbital foramen, 16% skulls showed the presence of unilateral supraorbital notch, where the other side notch is bridged into foramen. The average distance of the supraorbital notch from nasal midline was 24mm on right side and 25mm on left side.
CONCLUSION: The knowledge of these morphological variations of the supraorbital notch are important for physicians, surgeons, cosmetic and maxillofacial dentists and anesthetists.