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Anatomical Relationship Between the Lingual Nerve and Submandibular Duct
Toshinori Iwai1, Satomi Sugiyama, Senri Oguri
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Orthodontics, Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Japan.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|September 20, 2021
Summary
This study examined the lingual nerve and submandibular duct anatomy in 1403 patients. The lingual nerve rarely crosses above the submandibular duct, highlighting surgical risks during intraoral procedures.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Surgical Anatomy
- Oral Surgery
Background:
- The submandibular duct and lingual nerve are critical structures in oral surgery.
- Understanding their anatomical relationship is vital for preventing iatrogenic injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomical relationship between the lingual nerve and submandibular duct.
- To document the incidence of the lingual nerve crossing above the submandibular duct during intraoral salivary gland surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of intraoperative findings from 1403 patients undergoing intraoral salivary gland surgery.
- Identification and recording of the anatomical relationship between the lingual nerve and submandibular duct by a single surgeon.
Main Results:
- The lingual nerve was found below the submandibular gland in 99.4% of cases.
- The lingual nerve crossed above the submandibular duct in only 0.6% of sides (8 out of 1436).
Conclusions:
- The lingual nerve typically lies below the submandibular duct.
- Surgeons must maintain awareness of the rare but possible anatomical variation where the lingual nerve crosses above the submandibular duct to avoid injury during intraoral salivary gland surgery.
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