External Facial Width as a Surrogate for Posterior Mandibular Canal Position: A CBCT-Based Morphometric Study

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Anthropology
• Radiology

Background:

• Facial width measurements are used in anthropological and clinical assessments.
• Understanding the relationship between bizygomatic width and mandibular morphology is important for surgical planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between bizygomatic width (Zy-Zy) and posterior mandibular body width (W).
• To determine if bizygomatic width predicts the buccolingual position of the inferior alveolar canal (IAC).

Main Methods:

• A retrospective CBCT-based morphometric study of 120 adults.
• Measurements included bizygomatic width, posterior mandibular body width, and the B/W ratio (inferior alveolar canal position).
• Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, Spearman rho, and multivariable regression.

Main Results:

• Bizygomatic width was significantly greater in males.
• A weak association was found between bizygomatic width and posterior mandibular body width (Spearman ρ=0.195, P=0.033).
• No significant association was found between bizygomatic width and the inferior alveolar canal position (B/W ratio).

Conclusions:

• Bizygomatic width has limited predictive value for posterior mandibular width and does not predict inferior alveolar canal position.
• CBCT imaging remains essential for accurate assessment of posterior mandibular surgical risk.