Evaluation of genial tubercle anatomy using cone beam computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Dental Anatomy
• Radiology
• Orthodontics

Background:

• The genial tubercle is a key anatomical landmark in the anterior mandible.
• Understanding its morphology is vital for dental procedures and understanding craniofacial development.
• Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers detailed 3D imaging with reduced radiation exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the detailed anatomy and morphology of the genial tubercle.
• To evaluate measurements including height, width, and distances to adjacent structures using CBCT.
• To investigate potential correlations between genial tubercle anatomy, gender, and orthodontic malocclusion.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of CBCT images from 201 patients (101 female, 100 male).
• Measurement of genial tubercle height (GH) and width (GW), distance from incisors to superior border (I-SGT), inferior margin to mandible border (IGM-IBM), and anterior mandible thickness (AMT).
• Statistical analysis to compare parameters based on gender and Angle's malocclusion classes (I, II, III).

Main Results:

• Genial tubercle height (GH), width (GW), and incisor-to-tubercle distance (I-SGT) showed no significant gender differences.
• The inferior margin-to-inferior mandible border distance (IGM-IBM) was significantly larger in Class III males and Class I females compared to other groups.
• Anterior mandible thickness (AMT) was significantly greater in Class III patients compared to Class I and II patients.

Conclusions:

• CBCT provides valuable detailed anatomical information of the genial tubercle.
• Specific anatomical variations in the genial tubercle and mandible are associated with different malocclusion classes.
• Accurate anatomical characterization using CBCT is essential for dental professionals, particularly for surgery related to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), to prevent complications.