Evaluation of the Morphometric Variations of the Nasopalatine Canal with Respect to Age and Gender Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography - An Observational Study

Background: The nasopalatine canal (NPC) is a vital anatomical entity in maxilla with significant positional and morphological variations mandating its radiographic evaluation before any interventional procedure. These variations have also been speculated to be correlated with age and gender of the patients. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is presently the most sought-after imaging system for the maxillo-facial region due to its three-dimensional nature, accuracy, and comparatively lower radiation dosage as compared to conventional computed tomography and hence was the preferred imaging modality for the current study. Objectives: To assess the morphological variations of the NPC and to correlate them with age and gender, with CBCT as the imaging tool. Methods: A total of 135 CBCT scans showing the area of interest were retrieved from departmental records, with 45 scans in each age group. These were assessed by two calibrated radiologists separately using Software Romexis version 4.2.0 R 10/13/15. The length and shape of the canal were recorded and evaluated for each scan and compared between the groups. Results: Out of total 135 subjects, there were 63 (46.7%) male subjects and 72 (53.3%) were females. The mean length of NPC was significantly higher in males than in females, but no age-related variations were noted. The most common shape noted was cylindrical, followed by funnel shape. The shape of NPC among male and female subjects did not show any statistically significant difference. Conclusions: The study indicated the length of NPC to be significantly more in males than in the females, emphasizing its potential as a tool for gender prediction. No such correlation was found between the shape of the NPC and age or gender.