Abstract
BackgroundThe marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve is vulnerable to iatrogenic injuries during surgeries involving the submandibular region. This leads to significant post-operative morbidity. Studies assessing accurate anatomical landmarks of the marginal mandibular branch are sparse in South Asian countries. Present study was conducted to assess the relationship between the marginal mandibular branch and the inferior border of the body of mandible.MethodsTwenty-two preserved cadavers of Sri Lankan nationality were selected. Cadavers were positioned dorsal decubitus with necks in extension. The maximum perpendicular distance between the inferior/caudal most ramus of the marginal mandibular branch and the inferior border of the body of the mandible was recorded on both hemi faces.ResultsRecorded maximum distance was 17.65 mm on left side and 10.80 mm on right side. Mean maximum distance, was 7.12 ± 2.97 mm. There was no statistically significant difference in the maximum deviation on left (7.84 ± 3.41 mm) and right sides (6.44 ± 2.37 mm).ConclusionCourse of the marginal mandibular nerve is complex. If the distance of the incision in the posterior submandibular approach is less than 2 cm from the inferior border of the mandible, there is a high probability of damaging the inferior ramus of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve.
Highlights
The marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve is vulnerable to iatrogenic injuries during surgeries involving the submandibular region
An independent sample t-test showed that there was no significant difference in the maximum distance between the lowest ramus of the Marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve (MMBFN) and the lower border of the mandible on left (7.35 ± 2.63 mm) and right sides (6.44 ± 2.37 mm); p >
If the distance of the incision in the posterior submandibular approach is less than 2 cm from the inferior border of the mandible, there is a high probability of damaging the inferior ramus of the MMBFN
Summary
The marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve is vulnerable to iatrogenic injuries during surgeries involving the submandibular region. There can be multiple rami of marginal mandibular nerve ranging from one to three [1].They run forwards and anteriorly towards the angle of the mandible deep to platysma and winds around the inferior border of the mandible. It turns upwards across the body of the Marginal mandibular nerve is at a vulnerable position during surgery of the area as it runs adjacent to the inferior border of the mandible It is commonly damaged inadvertently at this site during surgeries involving submandibular region. The true incidence is believed to be higher since most of these studies are retrospective and there is underreporting [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
