Shape, height, and location of the lingula for sagittal ramus osteotomy in Thais

This study aims to investigate the shape, height, and location of the lingula in relation to surrounding structures for sagittal ramus osteotomy. Dried Thai mandibles were studied and compared with other races. From both sides of 92 mandibles, the shape of the lingula was classified into triangular, truncated, nodular, or assimilated types. Of 92 mandibles, 146 sides with at least a premolar and a molar on the same side were selected for distance measurement. Height of the lingula was measured from the lingular tip to the mandibular foramen. The location was determined by five distances from the lingular tip to: the anterior and the posterior borders of the mandibular ramus, the mandibular notch, the distal surface of the mandibular second molar, and the occlusal plane. The results showed that truncated lingulae were most frequently found (46.2%) and most appeared to be bilateral (71.7%). Triangular, nodular, and assimilated shapes presented in 29.9%, 19.6%, and 4.3%, respectively. The mean lingular height was 8.2 +/- 2.3 mm. The lingula was located at 20.6 +/- 3.5 mm from the anterior border of the mandibular ramus and 16.6 +/- 2.9 mm from the mandibular notch. In the majority of the mandibles studied, the lingula was located above the occlusal plane. In conclusion, the shape and metric characteristics of the lingula in relation to surrounding structures in Thais vary from other races. All parameters associated with the lingula should be considered for sagittal ramus osteotomy to avoid intraoperative complications.