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Updated: Nov 29, 2025

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
Retromandibular vein position and course patterns in relation to mandible: anatomical morphologies requiring
Keisuke Sugahara1,2, Satoru Matsunaga2,3, Masahito Yamamoto3
1epartment of Oral Pathobiological Science and Surgery, Tokyo Dental College, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Major bleeding associated with sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) involves vessels such as the inferior alveolar, facial, and maxillary arteries and veins, and the retromandibular vein (RMV). The present study aimed to clarify and classify the three-dimensional variations in RMV position and course direction in relation to the mandible. Specimens comprised a total of 15 scientific cadavers, and the relationship between RMV and the mandible lateral and posterior views was observed. We identified 3 patterns on the lateral view, the mean distance between the RMV and the posterior border of the ramus was 3.9 mm at the height of the lingula. A total of five course patterns were identified on the posterior view. In no course pattern, the RMV inferior to the lingula was lateral to its position superior to the lingual. The present findings suggest that it may be possible to predict correlations with intraoperative bleeding risk. Further study is planned using contrast computed tomography in patients with jaw deformity for skeletal classification.
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