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Supraorbital Foramen

foramen supraorbitale

The supraorbital foramen (or notch) is an opening on the superior orbital rim of the frontal bone approximately at the junction of its medial and middle thirds, transmitting the supraorbital nerve (V1 branch) and the supraorbital artery. It may be a complete foramen or an open notch. A separate frontal notch or foramen lies medially, transmitting the frontal branch of the supraorbital nerve.

Region: Head & Skull

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The supraorbital foramen is the landmark for supraorbital nerve block, used for frontal headache, scalp anaesthesia for frontal craniotomy, and frontal sinus procedures. In brow lift surgery, the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves exiting this foramen must be identified and protected to prevent numbness of the forehead. Supraorbital nerve entrapment by the foramen rim produces a focal frontal headache and is treated by block or foraminotomy. Biopsies and orbital trauma near the foramen risk nerve injury.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Supraorbital Nerve Entrapment

Tight compression of the supraorbital nerve at the foramen from chronic muscle contraction, hat band pressure, or foramen rim spur produces a localised frontal headache reproduced by palpation at the foramen, treated by nerve block or decompression.

Frontal Sinus Fracture with Foramen Involvement

Fractures of the anterior frontal sinus wall may pass through or adjacent to the supraorbital foramen, damaging the nerve and producing forehead anaesthesia that is often permanent given the intraosseous course of the nerve.