Abstract:

Objective　To provide an anatomic basis for a modified approach of the puncture of the pterygopalatine fossa through the orbit.　Methods　The pterygopalatine fossa and orbit were observed with relevant anatomical data obtained in seventy-seven human skulls.　Results  (1) The distance from the point of lateral orbital margin to the point of the inferolateral edge of the orbit was (4.93±1.80) mm at the left side and (4.02±2.05) mm at the right side; (2) The distance from the point of the lateral orbital margin to the point of the lower edge of the external aperture of the foramen rotundum was (43.74±2.74) mm at the left side and (43.80±2.89) mm at the right side; (3) The distance from the point of the lateral orbital margin to the point of the posterior end of the superior orbital fissure was (47.83±2.47) mm at the left side and (47.74±2.53) mm at the right side;（4）The distance from the point of the lateral orbital margin to the point of anterior end of the inferior orbital fissure was ( 17.74±2.18) mm at the left side and (17.43±1.97) mm at the right side.（5）The success rate of the puncture of the pterygopalatine fossa from the point of the lateral orbital margin with a straight needle was 96.10% at the left side and 93.51% at the right side;（6）The combined success rate of the puncture of the pterygopalatine fossa from the point of the lateral orbital margin using both a straight needle and a curved needle could reach 98.70% at both sides.　Conclusion　The success rate of the puncture of the pterygopalatine fossa from the point of lateral orbital margin was higher than that of other puncture methods.

Key words: Pterygopalatine fossa, Puncture, Inferior orbital fissure