Foramina on the zygomatic bone: Its clinical significance

Aim: To study the anatomy of zygomatico-orbital, zygomaticofacial and zygomatico temporal foramina in south Indian population. Materials and Methods: 50 dry adult skulls of south Indian origin were studied. The number of ZO, ZF and ZT were recorded on each side. The distances of these foramina to the nearest palpable bony points, infero-lateral angle of the orbit and infra-orbital foramen were measured using Vernier's calipers. Results: Variable number of ZO and ZF foramina, ranging from 0 to 4 was seen. Single ZO foramen in 56% and 44%, double in 6% and 12%, absent in 38% and 44% on right and left sides were seen. Distance of ZO foramen from inferolateral angle of orbit was 9±2.51 mm and 7.8±1.74 mm on right and left side respectively. The mean distance from infraorbital foramen was 29.93±2.76 mm and 30.19± 3.52 mm on right and left side respectively. Single ZF foramen in 40% and 42%, double in 10% and 8%, 3 in 4% on right side and 4 in 2% on left sides were seen. In the remaining 46% and 48% of bones, the ZF foramen was absent. Mean distance from inferolateral angle of orbit was 8.05±2.68 and 9.15±2.11 mm respectively on the right and left side. Mean distance from infraorbital foramen was 25.45±4.35 mm and 25.42±4 mm respectively on right and left side. Conclusion: The location of ZO and ZF foramen can be population specific and knowledge of its location is important during stabilization of zygomatic fractures, in endoscopic subperiosteal facelift.