An anatomical study and clinical co-relations of mandibular foramen in dry adult human mandibles of north Indian origin

Abstract

Background: The mandibular foramen is located on the medial surface of ramus of mandible. It transmits inferior alveolar nerve. Inferior alveolar nerve block is a common procedure done by dental practitioners while doing various surgeries on mandible. The aim of this study is to determine the position of mandibular foramen in respect to various landmarks present on mandible. Methods: 30 adult human dry mandibles of north Indian origin were studied. The position of mandibular foramen from various landmarks was measured on both sides of mandibular ramus. Results: In our study we found the mean distance from the mandibular foramen to the anterior border of the ramus was 16.06±1.99 mm and 16.13±2.10 mm on the right and left sides respectively and from the mandibular foramen to the posterior border of the ramus was 12.02±1.99 mm and 11.10±1.95 mm on the right and left sides respectively. The mandibular foramen was situated at a mean distance of 1.36±0.77 mm on the right side and 1.47±0.72 mm on the left side, posterior to the midpoint of width of the ramus and at a mean distance of 3.37±1.37 mm on the right side and 3.10±1.41 mm on the left side, superior to the midpoint of vertical height of the ramus. Conclusion: In present study localization of mandibular foramen presented great variation. However if we keep these anatomical landmarks in our mind we can accurately locate the position of mandibular foramen and this will help us to create successful anesthesia and to perform good surgeries on mandible.