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Lingual Nerve Measurements in Cadaveric Dissections: Clinical Applications
Somsak Sittitavornwong1, Michael Babston2, Douglas Denson2
1Associate Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
Lingual nerve (LN) injury is common during dental procedures. This study precisely maps the LN
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Oral Surgery
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Lingual nerve (LN) injuries are a known complication in dental and maxillofacial procedures.
- Despite its known course, precise anatomical landmarks for the LN are crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To accurately predict the lingual nerve pathway using measurable anatomical landmarks.
- To reduce the incidence of lingual nerve injury during surgical interventions.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of the lingual nerve was performed on 28 cadaveric hemimandibles.
- Measurements were taken relative to the alveolar crest and mandibular second molar.
Main Results:
- The lingual nerve was located approximately 7 mm below the alveolar crest at the distal mandibular second molar.
- Measurements confirmed its proximity to the lingula and the mylohyoid muscle attachment.
Conclusions:
- The lingual nerve is at high risk of injury due to various head and neck procedures.
- This study provides precise anatomical data to aid surgeons in avoiding lingual nerve damage.
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