Topographical relationship of the greater palatine artery and the palatal spine. Significance for periodontal surgery.

Aim: The aims of this study were to (1) identify the branching pattern and course of the greater palatine artery (GPA), (2) carry out a morphological analysis of the palatal bony prominence that divides the medial and lateral grooves and (3) characterize the topographical relationships between these two structures. Methods: Thirty-six hemimaxillae were studied with the aid of a surgical microscope to elucidate the GPA. A further 25 dry skulls were examined to establish the morphology of the palatal spine. Results: The most common GPA branching pattern was type I (41.7%, 15 sides), which gave off the medial and canine branches after the bony prominence. The distances from the CEJ to the lateral branch of the GPA were 9.04 +/- 2.93 mm (canine), 11.12 +/- 1.89 mm (first premolar), 13.51 +/- 2.08 mm (second premolar), 13.76 +/- 2.86 mm (first molar) and 13.91 +/- 2.20 mm (second molar). The palatal spine was frequently observed as the bony prominence (66.3%, 57 sides), and was located at 6.49 +/- 1.76 mm from the greater palatine foramen, with a length of 10.42 +/- 2.45 mm. There was no a correlation between the bony prominence shape and the GPA branching pattern. Conclusions: These results could provide the reference data regarding the topography of the GPA for periodontal surgery.