The Relationship Between the Infraorbital Nerve and the Periorbita: A Cadaveric Study

Abstract Background The periosteum of the orbit, called the periorbita, anchors tendons, ligaments, and muscles, and supports blood supply to orbital bones. Literature varies in describing its relationship with the infraorbital nerve. This connection influences the spread of inflammation, tumors, and iatrogenic complications. This study aims to identify the infraorbital foramen’s location for interventions and to clarify the association between the infraorbital nerve and the periorbita. Methods The study was performed on ten hemifaces from six formalin-fixed cadaveric heads. The relationship of the infraorbital nerve with the periorbita from the superior orbital fissure to the infraorbital foramen was analysed. To determine the position of the infraorbital foramen, the vertical distance between the infraorbital rim, the center point of the infraorbital foramen and the horizontal distance between the mid-sagittal line passing through the nasion and the center point of the infraorbital foramen were measured. Additionally, the intercanthal distance, the distance between the center point of the infraorbital foramen and the medial canthus and the horizontal diameter of the infraorbital foramen were measured.A digital calliper was used to measure distances in millimetres (mm). Results The infraorbital neurovascular bundle was located beneath the periorbita at the floor of the orbital cavity. The infraorbital nerve within the canal was not covered by either periosteum or periorbita. The mean vertical distance between the infraorbital rim and the center point of the infraorbital foramen was 5.82 ± 1.50 mm.The mean horizontal distance between the center point of the infraorbital foramen and the mid-sagittal line was 30.62 ± 1.73 mm. The mean intercanthal distance was 30.52 ± 0.67 mm. The mean distance between the center point of the infraorbital foramen and the medial canthus was 13.23 ± 1.60 mm. The mean diameter of the infraorbital foramen was 3.42 ± 0.42 mm. Conclusion The periorbita is continuous with the periosteum of the pterygopalatine fossa but not with the periosteum over the anterior maxilla along the infraorbital canal.