Abstract

BACKGROUND: The junction between medial one third and lateral two third of the supraorbital margin presents with supraorbital notch, which may be sometimes bridged into foramen. The precise location and morphological variations of the supraorbital notch are important while performing surgeries and for treating intractable cases of migraine. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed in studying these possible variations and to calculate mean distance of the supraorbital notch from the midline. METHODS: The study has been conducted in the Department of Anatomy, of Government Medical College, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh. RESULTS: 45% skulls showed bilateral supraorbital notch while, 39% skulls showed bilateral supraorbital foramen, 16% skulls showed the presence of unilateral supraorbital notch, where the other side notch is bridged into foramen. The average distance of the supraorbital notch from nasal midline was 24mm on right side and 25mm on left side. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of these morphological variations of the supraorbital notch are important for physicians, surgeons, cosmetic and maxillofacial dentists and anesthetists.

Description

Supraorbital notch is studied in the anterior aspect, of external features of human skull. Supraorbital notch is seen along the superior margin of the orbit, formed by squamous part frontal bone usually at the junction of it’s medial one third and lateral two third . It is bridged by a ligament, which may be sometimes ossified converting it into supraorbital foramen which may be complete or incomplete. This ligament is named as supraorbital ligament. The supraorbital notch transmits supraorbital vessels and Supra orbital nerve. Supraorbital artery is a branch of ophthalmic artery, which after passing through notch divides into terminal branches and supplies the medial part of forehead and anterior aspect of Scalp. Supraorbital nerve is a branch of Frontal division of ophthalmic branch of Trigeminal nerve. The nerve carries general sensations from greater part of forehead, Scalp as far as up to the vertex and upper eyelid including conjunctiva.[1] Because of its superficial location the nerve is susceptible to trauma and compression