title: Anatomical variations of the greater palatine canal in cone-beam computed tomography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze anatomical variations of the greater palatine canal (GPC) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study included 110 CBCTs. Axial slices were used to determine the shape of GPC and the number of lesser palatine foramina (LPF). Sagittal slices were used to assess the shape of the GPC and the number of lesser palatine canals (LPCs).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most prevalent axial and sagittal GPC shapes were oval (46.36%) and hourglass (23.64%). Most GPCs presented one LPF (47.27%) and one LPC (90.91%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  GPC anatomy is highly variable. CBCT is a useful tool for evaluating the anatomical variations of GPC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Stomatology, Medicine and Dentistry School, University of Santiago de Compostela, C/Entrerrios S/N 15872, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Rapado-González
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Medicine and Dentistry School, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Suárez-Quintanilla
authors.affiliation: Department of Stomatology, Medicine and Dentistry School, University of Santiago de Compostela, C/Entrerrios S/N 15872, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. mariamercedes.suarez@usc.es.
authors.forename: María Mercedes
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Suárez-Cunqueiro
mesh_terms: D063405:Anatomic Variation; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009055:Mouth / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D056739:Pterygopalatine Fossa / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
keywords: Anesthesia; Cone-beam computed tomography; Greater palatine canal; Greater palatine foramen; Lesser palatine foramen