Cone-beam computed tomography of accessory canals of the canalis sinuosus and analysis of the related risk factors

Purpose Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used in this study for evaluating the diameter, prevalence, spatial location, and risk factors of the accessory canal (AC) of the canalis sinuosus. Methods A comprehensive assessment of the incidence rate, diameter, three-dimensional (3D) spatial location, and direction of travel of AC was performed on 1003 CBCT images. The CBCT data were used to reconstruct a 3D model of the maxilla to determine the alveolar bone volume. The obtained data were further analyzed and processed. Results AC was present in 50.1% of images. Male patients more frequently had ACs than female patients did (P < 0.01) and was positively correlated with the maxillary alveolar bone volume (P < 0.001, OR 1.532). Age or nasopalatine canal diameter were not significantly associated with the occurrence of AC (P > 0.05). Among the 502 patients with AC, AC was present on the left side, right side, and bilaterally in 189, 98, and 215, respectively. The maximum number of ACs observed per individual was eight. The average AC diameter was 0.89 +/- 0.26 mm (minimum, 0.5 mm; maximum, 2.02 mm). Conclusions As the prevalence of AC and its trajectory display considerable variation among individuals, surgeons must consider the possibility of the presence of AC when devising surgical plans involving the anterior maxillary region.