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.