Anatomical and Radiological Study of Superior Orbital Fissure

Superior orbital fissure (SOF) is a very important region through which important nerves and vessels of the orbit pass. Comprehensive knowledge of the morphometry and relationship of superior orbital fissure are vital for an accurate diagnosis and management of local pathology as well as knowledge of morphometry and relationship of SOF is important for neurosurgeons, radiologists, ophthalmologists and anatomists. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 30 dry skulls and computed tomography (CT) scans of 30 adult patients. Parameters observed in the present study include SOF length and width, distance from foramen rotundum to SOF and distance from the apex of petrous temporal bone to SOF. Results: The mean length of SOF in dry skull was 16.18 mm on the left side and 15.93 mm on the right side. The mean length of SOF in CT scan was 10.92 mm on the left side and 10.90 mm on the right side. Similarly, the mean width in dry skull and CT scan was 8.44 mm and 6.13 mm on the left side, respectively. The mean width in dry skull and CT scan was 8.64 mm and 6.14 mm on the right side, respectively. The distance of SOF to the apex of petrous temporal bone in dry skull was 21.86 mm on the left side and 22.22 mm on the right side, while in CT it was 25.15 mm on the left side and 25.07 mm on the right side. The distance of SOF to foramen rotundum was 4.50 mm on the left side and 4.91 mm on the right side in dry skull, while in CT scan it was 2.73 mm on the left side and 2.79 mm on the right side. Discussion: Most of parameters did not shows any significant differences between the left and right side in both dry skull and CT scan, except the distance of SOF to foramen rotundum in dry skull, where the right side distance was significantly higher. Conclusion: The above mentioned parameters will help ophthalmologists, neurosurgeons and radiologists during surgical procedures.