Abstract

This study aims to establish the size, shape, orientation and location of the IOF in a Nigerian population. It also seeks to compare the bilateral differences and variations in gender of dry skulls in Nigeria. One hundred skulls (78 males and 22 females) were used in this study. The longitudinal and transverse diameters of the IOF were measured as well as the distance from the infraorbital foramen to the infraorbital margin and lateral nasal border respectively using electronic digital Vernier Caliper. The result show significant sexual dimorphism in the following parameters. The difference between left transverse diameter in males and females was statistically significant. The distance between IOF-IOM in male was found to be 7.46±0.18 mm while female was 5.72±0.84 mm. The difference was significant. Distance between left IOF-LNB was found to be statistically significant. The shape of the infraorbital foramen was found to be oval in 71%, round in 21% and semilunar in 3% of cases on the right side of the skull, while the left side showed 77% for oval, 20% for round and 0.3% for semilunar shapes of the infraorbital foramen. This study provides useful information in predicting the locations and morphology of the infraorbital foramen, especially in the Nigerian population.