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Ultrasound Images of the Tongue: A Tutorial for Assessment and Remediation of Speech Sound Errors
Published on: January 3, 2017
Using ultrasound to visualize the lingual nerve
James Olsen1, Maria Papadaki, Maria Troulis
1Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Summary
Ultrasonography effectively visualizes the lingual nerve (LN) and its injuries. This imaging technique aids in assessing the nerve
Area of Science:
- Oral surgery
- Medical imaging
- Anatomy
Background:
- The lingual nerve (LN) is crucial for sensation in the tongue.
- Injuries to the LN can occur during third molar extraction.
- Accurate visualization of the LN is essential for preventing surgical complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate ultrasonography's effectiveness in visualizing the lingual nerve.
- To measure the distance between the lingual nerve and the lingual cortex near the third molar.
- To assess the capability of ultrasonography in detecting lingual nerve injuries.
Main Methods:
- Lingual nerve dissections were performed on Yorkshire pig cadaver heads.
- Nerves were categorized as intact, fully transected, or partially transected.
- Blinded evaluators used ultrasound to assess nerve status and categorize injuries.
Main Results:
- Evaluators successfully visualized and identified the lingual nerve using ultrasound.
- Lingual nerve injuries were accurately categorized in 63% of attempts.
- The average distance from the lingual nerve to the alveolar cortex was 1 mm.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonography is an effective tool for visualizing the lingual nerve.
- This technique can aid in assessing lingual nerve integrity and potential injuries during oral surgery.
