Abstract
Background The inferior alveolar canal, the mental foramen, and the neurovascular bundle passing through these structures are essential landmarks to be cautious of during surgical interventions on the mandible. The literature revealed a global incidence of inferior alveolar nerve injury of 0.26-8.45% following third molar surgeries, 0.00-24.00% following implant surgeries, and 8.00-40.00% following orthognathic surgeries. Injury to the neurovascular bundle could result in dysesthesia, paresthesia, and profuse bleeding, which could be life-threatening with resultant morbidity. Therefore, the knowledge of the precise anatomy via radiographic evaluation of these landmarks is essential.
Aims and Objectives: To describe the morphology of the inferior alveolar canal and mental foramen (MF) and morphometry of the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) as seen on digital panoramic radiographs.
Materials and Methods: Two hundred digital panoramic radiographs (OPG) using CS imaging software (Version 8). Morphologic classifications of the IAC and MF were based on Liu et al., 2009, Nortje et al., 1977 and Madeira,2003. Morphometric measurements of the IAC were made.
Results: Elliptic arc canals were the most frequently observed (55.00%) anteroposterior course (APC) of the IAC studied. Intermediate canals were the most common vertical position (48.30%) of the IAC. The commonest horizontal relation of the IAC was type 1 canals (45.50%). Most mental foramen (50.00%) were located at Position 4. The average morphometric measurements of the IAC decreased from the first molar to the third molar. The average diameter of the IAC was about 3-4mm and was relatively constant.
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Conclusion: To avoid unintentional injury to the contents of the IAC and MF, clinicians must exercise caution to the mandible during invasive surgeries.
Keywords: Black South Africans, inferior alveolar canal, mental foramen, morphology, morphometry, panoramic radiographs