Microanatomy of the incisive canal using three-dimensional reconstruction of microCT images: an ex vivo study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the general structure of the incisive canal (IC) using 3-dimensional reconstruction and to classify into various types according to several criteria.


METHODS
The materials used in the study were 56 anterior maxillae harvested from human cadavers. The specimens were scanned with microscopic computerized tomography (microCT), and the resulting microCT images were reconstructed in 3 dimensions.


RESULTS
Many ICs had 1 foramen inferiorly and 2 foramina superiorly, and the separating level was just beneath the nasal floor. The middle part of the IC was not always a single hollow canal. Single-channel, 2-channel, 3-channel, and even 4-channel ICs were observed. The ICs were classified into 4 types according to the lateral shape of the canal: vertical-straight, vertical-curved, slanted-straight, and slanted-curved.


CONCLUSIONS
This study disclosed the detailed morphologic features of the IC, which will be helpful in the placement of local anesthesia or implants.
Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea.
Wu-Chul
WC
Song
Dong-In
DI
Jo
Jeong-Yong
JY
Lee
Jeong-Nam
JN
Kim
Mi-Sun
MS
Hur
Kyung-Seok
KS
Hu
Hee-Jin
HJ
Kim
Chuog
C
Shin
Ki-Seok
KS
Koh
D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D007180:Incisor / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000473:pathology; D008437:Maxilla / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008867:Microtomy; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D021362:Palate, Hard / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography / Q000379:methods*