Home › Body Atlas › Bones › Infraorbital Foramen

Infraorbital Foramen

foramen infraorbitale

The infraorbital foramen is an opening on the anterior surface of the maxilla, approximately 5-10 mm below the inferior orbital rim and aligned with the pupil. It is the exit point of the infraorbital nerve (V2) and the infraorbital vessels from the infraorbital canal. The infraorbital nerve supplies cutaneous sensation to the lower eyelid, the lateral nose, the upper lip, and the anterior cheek.

Region: Head & Skull

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The infraorbital foramen is a key landmark in midface surgery and anaesthesia. The infraorbital nerve block for the midface is performed by directing local anaesthetic toward the foramen via the oral sulcus or directly at the cheek surface. In Le Fort I osteotomy, the anterior maxillary osteotomy preserves the foramen intact. Midface fractures involving the zygomaticomaxillary complex compress or injure the infraorbital nerve producing cheek and upper lip numbness, which typically resolves as swelling subsides but may be permanent with bony fragment impingement.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Infraorbital Nerve Injury in Midface Fracture

Zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures compressing the infraorbital canal cause numbness of the cheek, lower eyelid, and upper lip from infraorbital nerve neuropraxia; anatomic fracture reduction and bony decompression of the canal are required when numbness is progressive or persists.