Morphometric Study on the Mandibular Foramen

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Anesthesiology

Background:

• The mandibular foramen (MF) is a critical anatomical landmark for regional anesthesia and surgical procedures in the mandible.
• Variations in MF size, location, and the presence of accessory foramina can impact procedural success and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively analyze the dimensions (superoinferior and anteroposterior) of the mandibular foramen.
• To determine the localization of the MF relative to key anatomical landmarks.
• To assess the prevalence of accessory mandibular foramina.

Main Methods:

• Examination of 77 human dry mandibles.
• Measurement of MF diameters and distances to landmarks (coronoid notch, inferior border, pterygomandibular raphe, posterior border) using digital vernier calipers.
• Documentation of MF dimensions, localization, and presence of accessory foramina.

Main Results:

• Average superoinferior diameter: 4.20-4.28 mm; anteroposterior diameter: 3.55-3.60 mm.
• Distances to landmarks: coronoid notch (17.60-17.93 mm), inferior border (24.20-24.61 mm), pterygomandibular raphe (20.63-20.93 mm), posterior border (11.31-11.70 mm).
• Prevalence of accessory MF: 20 instances identified, with 10 on each side and 10 mandibles showing bilateral accessory foramina.

Conclusions:

• Provides precise measurements of the mandibular foramen and its relationship to anatomical landmarks.
• Highlights the pterygomandibular raphe as a practical landmark for intraoral procedures.
• Emphasizes the clinical significance of anatomical variability, including accessory MF, for enhancing surgical and anesthetic techniques and improving patient outcomes.