Spatial Correlation of the Buccal and Inferior Alveolar Nerves: Morphological Evidence From Cadaveric Dissections

This study aimed to examine the spatial relationships between the buccal nerve (BN) and the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) with respect to superficial facial landmarks and to evaluate the clinical relevance of their topographic correlation. A clearer understanding of these relationships may help prevent iatrogenic injury during maxillofacial procedures and regional anesthesia.

The study was conducted on 15 adult cadavers (30 hemispheres). Each specimen was carefully dissected to expose the BN and IAN within the infratemporal fossa. The tragus (TRA), lateral canthus (LC), and angulus oris (AO) were defined as superficial reference points. Distances between each nerve and these landmarks were measured in both transverse (T) and vertical (V) planes. The BN was classified into four types based on its course: superficial, deep, intermuscular-superficial, and intermuscular-deep. Data were analyzed using R software (version 4.5.1), with independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficients applied. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Mean BN-TRA V, BN-TRA T, and BN-AO V distances were 13.58 ± 9.34 mm, 32.12 ± 18.21 mm, and 29.64 ± 18.43 mm, respectively. No significant differences were observed between genders or sides (p > 0.05). Moderate correlations (r = 0.42-0.52, p < 0.05) were observed between BN and IAN measurements, suggesting a potentially meaningful anatomical directional alignment.

The BN and IAN appear to follow generally parallel courses relative to facial landmarks. These morphometric data provide preliminary anatomical references that may help reduce the risk of nerve injury during mandibular and maxillofacial procedures.