An endoscopic study of the greater palatine nerve.
BACKGROUND
Using an endoscopic approach, lateral sphenoid air cells and terminal branches of the internal maxillary artery often can be accessed through the pterygomaxillary fossa: however, injury to the greater palatine nerve (GPN) can occur if the anatomy of this region is not understood clearly. This study was undertaken to define the pathway of the GPN and to identify landmarks useful in preventing its injury.


METHODS
Six cadaveric heads were used to endoscopically dissect and examine 11 pterygomaxillary fossae. An additional latex-injected cadaveric head was sectioned coronally and dissected bilaterally. The relationships between the vascular, neurological and bony structures and foramena were noted and described.


RESULTS
All specimens studied maintained consistent relationships. The sphenopalatine and posterior nasal arteries cross nearly perpendicular and just superficial to the GPN. The GPN traveled anteriorly and inferiorly to reach the greater palatine foramen. The lateral wall of the canal ranged from a thin bony covering to complete dehiscence and was thinnest as it crossed the inferior turbinate and approached the foramen. The foramen rotundum was located lateral and superior to the sphenopalatine foramen near the roof of the maxillary sinus.


CONCLUSIONS
When surgically approaching the pterygomaxillary fossa, injury to the GPN is avoidable by thorough knowledge of anatomy and awareness of the described landmarks.
Mellema
Jonathan W
JW
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0528, USA.
Tami
Thomas A
TA
D002102:Cadaver; D003391:Cranial Nerves / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004210:Dissection; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008438:Maxillary Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D021362:Palate, Hard / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000294:innervation*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014420:Turbinates / Q000033:anatomy & histology