Prevalence and Anatomical Variations of the Canalis Sinuosus in a Lithuanian Population Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: a Retrospective Study

Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the prevalence of the canalis sinuosus, its anatomical variations, and the relationship between its opening sites and the anterior teeth in the Lithuanian population.

Material and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans including the full maxillary arch of adult patients was performed. The canalis sinuosus (CS) presence, distribution, opening diameter, and distances to surrounding anatomical landmarks were measured and compared by side, sex, and age groups using CS 3D Imaging software (Carestream Inc.).

Results: Among 200 CBCT scans, CS was identified in 73% of subjects (365 canals), with bilateral presentation in 63% and predominantly palatal openings (96.7%). Most canals measured < 1 mm (88.7%) and median CS diameter was significantly greater on the right than on the left (0.78 [SD] vs. 0.7 [SD] mm; P = 0.034). Males exhibited significantly larger CS diameters and greater CS-nasal cavity floor and CS-buccal cortical bone distances bilaterally (P < 0.05). CS was most frequently located in the central and lateral incisor regions. No significant association was observed between CS location and sex or between age groups and CS dimensions or location; however, unilateral occurrence was more frequent in the age group of 18 to 30 years (P = 0.002).

Conclusions: The canalis sinuosus is a frequent anatomical structure in the anterior maxilla, most often presenting bilaterally with palatal openings. Sex-related differences were observed, whereas age showed no significant effect on canal dimensions.

J Oral Maxillofac Res 2026;17(1):e3

doi: 10.5037/jomr.2026.17103

Accepted for publication: 30 March 2026

Keywords: cone-beam computed tomography; maxilla; maxillary nerve; sinonasal tract.