English

Abstract

The retromolar fossa, a small triangular area posterolateral to third molar in mandible, contains the retromolar foramen (RMF) and retromolar canal (RMC), as an anatomical variation. When the foramen present, the foramen is connected with mandibular canal through another canal known as retromolar canal and it contain neurovascular bundles, which gives additional supplies to mandible. The detailed knowledge of this anatomical variation is important in surgical procedures involving the retromolar area to protect the patient from complications such as unexpected bleeding or nerve damage & better understanding about failed inferior alveolar nerve block, spread of infection & metastasis in case of carcinoma. AIMS & OBJECTIVES: To study the possible variations in position of retromolar foramen (or canal) i.e. distance of RMF (or RMC) from the posterior border of 3rd molar socket, anterior border of the ramus & lingula and document its incidence in Indian population. MATERIALS & METHODS: 224 (Male-134, Female-90) dried fully ossified adult human mandibles are examined for the presence of retromolar foramen and canal. The retromolar foramen are observed and its distance from the posterior border of 3rd molar socket, anterior border of the ramus, and lingula are measured. RESULTS: The retromolar foramen and canal are found in 33 among 224 mandibles (14.7%) of which 11 on the right side (4.9%), 7 on the left side (3.1%) and 15 bilaterally (6.7%) (Table I). The RMF is found on 14 (6.2%) mandibles of male and 19 (8.5%) of female. The observed distance of RMF from posterior border of 3rd molar socket, anterior border of the ramus, and lingula varies between 3 to 10 mm, 4 to 11 mm & 3 to 9 mm respectively in right side and 5 to 12 mm, 3 to 11 mm, and 2 to 8 mm respectively in left side. CONCLUSION: The incidence of RMF in our study suggest that RMF or RMC is not a rare anatomical structure. So, every anesthetist and dental surgeon should confirm the location of RMF prior to performing any anesthetic and surgical procedure involving the retromolar area. The percentage of occurrence of RMF is more common in females as compared to males. It is more common in right side of mandible. The bilateral presence of RMF also found to be higher in females. The position of RMF is nearer to third molar in right side in comparison to left side.