Identification anatomical structures in the interforaminal region as part of pre-surgery evaluation

The aim of this research is to meticulously explore the three-dimensional positioning, form, length, diameter, and interrelations with adjacent anatomical landmarks within the mandibular interforaminal area, while also discerning the influence of factors such as age, gender, and dental status on these anatomical features.

In this retrospective analysis, we assessed 400 cone-beam computed tomography images focusing on the mandibular lingual canal (MLC), labial foramen (LaF), and median perforating canal (MPC) and their associated features. The data was then statistically correlated with age, dental status, and gender using IBM SPSS v.23. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

The study revealed that MLC was present in 98.8% of cases, most commonly with an oblique course (64.1%) and type G canal. MPC was noted in 33.3% and LaF in 26.3% of cases. Age influenced the distance of MLC from labial and lingual terminals to the alveolar crest, and LaF's distance to tooth apices and the mandibular margin (p < 0,05). Dental condition affected the labial terminal diameter of MLC and its distances from terminals to the alveolar crest (p < 0,05). As teeth count reduced, distances from the terminals to the alveolar crest decreased. Gender impacted the labial terminal diameter of MLC, its distances to the alveolar crest, mandibular margin, and buccal cortical bone, and the distance from LaF to the alveolar crest. Other morphometric aspects showed no significant association with dental condition, age, or gender.

The identification of MLC, MPC, and LaF canals in the mandible underscores their importance in implant surgery. It's vital to consider the bone thickness and neurovascular structure locations. Hence, the interforaminal region presents potential risks in surgical procedures due to these specific structures.