Morphological analysis of mandibular foramen through anatomical planes: implications for inferior alveolar nerve block. 2020

Ravi Kant Narayan, and Sanjib Kumar Ghosh
Department of Anatomy, 3rd Floor, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Phulwarisharif, Patna, Bihar, 801507, India.

Error in localization of mandibular foramen is attributed to a high failure rate of inferior alveolar nerve block in clinical dentistry. We hypothesized that a remodelled approach towards exploring the morphology of mandibular foramen would be useful. In the present study, the location of the mandibular foramen was analysed with respect to the anatomical planes across the ramus of the mandible and also with respect to the quadrants on the medial surface of ramus of mandible. The study was conducted on 50 dry human mandibles of unknown age and sex. The anatomical planes were defined and drawn on the mandibles. Measurements were made with digital Vernier callipers and findings were noted. It was observed that the most consistent position of the mandibular foramen was along the vertical plane, however, the foramen was most likely to be localized along the oblique plane. Morphological analysis of the foramen with respect to the anatomical planes as well as the quadrants on the medial surface of ramus led to the analysis that occlusion plane should be the preferred plane of approach. Moreover, a rectangular area on the medial surface of the ramus was identified posterior to the mid-point of occlusion plane (8 mm above mid-point, 6 mm below mid-point and 6 mm behind mid-point) where the incidence of location of the foramen was significantly high. The findings of this study may potentially reduce the failure rate of inferior alveolar nerve block and clinical complications thereof.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008334 Mandible The largest and strongest bone of the FACE constituting the lower jaw. It supports the lower teeth. Mylohyoid Groove,Mylohyoid Ridge,Groove, Mylohyoid,Grooves, Mylohyoid,Mandibles,Mylohyoid Grooves,Mylohyoid Ridges,Ridge, Mylohyoid,Ridges, Mylohyoid
D009407 Nerve Block Interruption of NEURAL CONDUCTION in peripheral nerves or nerve trunks by the injection of a local anesthetic agent (e.g., LIDOCAINE; PHENOL; BOTULINUM TOXINS) to manage or treat pain. Chemical Neurolysis,Chemodenervation,Nerve Blockade,Block, Nerve,Blockade, Nerve,Blockades, Nerve,Blocks, Nerve,Chemical Neurolyses,Chemodenervations,Nerve Blockades,Nerve Blocks,Neurolyses, Chemical,Neurolysis, Chemical
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000539 Alveolar Process The thickest and spongiest part of the maxilla and mandible hollowed out into deep cavities for the teeth. Alveolar Ridge,Alveolar Processes,Process, Alveolar,Processes, Alveolar,Ridge, Alveolar
D000766 Anesthesia, Dental A range of methods used to reduce pain and anxiety during dental procedures. Dental Anesthesia

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