Anatomical Study of the Canalis Sinuosus in Chilean Individuals by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

The canalis sinuosus (CS) is a double-curved bone canal in the anterior region of the maxilla. The CS contains a vasculonervous bundle consisting of the anterior superior alveolar nerve and its corresponding arteries and veins. The CS and its accessory canals (AC) have been little described in the literature and are often omitted in imaging evaluations before procedures in the region. The object of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of the CS and its AC in Chilean individuals, and to carry out a morphometric analysis of these anatomical structures by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) by sex, side and age range. CBCT examinations of 28 patients were studied, evaluating the presence, diameter and terminal portion of the CS. We also evaluated the presence and number of AC, and their terminal portion. The diameter of the AC was classified as greater or smaller than 1.0 mm. Non-parametric tests were used for quantitative variables and chi-squared for qualitative variables. The SPSS v.27.0 software was used, with a significance threshold of 5 %. The CS was present in all the samples analysed, generally presenting a diameter greater than 1.0 mm. Alterations were found, and the diameter could be greater depending on the segment evaluated, however it was not affected by sex, side or age range. The terminal portion of the CS is usually located adjacent to the region of the nasal cavity. The frequency of AC was very high, and the most common location was in the region of the upper central incisor; in 61.3 % of cases their diameter ?1.0 mm. The high frequency of CS and AC shows the importance of carrying out a detailed imaging study before invasive procedures in the anterior region of the maxilla.