A morphometric study of mandibular foramen and accessory mandibular foramina in adult human mandibles and its clinical implications

Introduction: The mandibular foramen (MF) is an important anatomical landmark for procedures like inferior alveolar nerve block, implant treatment and mandibular osteotomies. Accessory mandibular foramina (AMFs) may act as a route for spread of infection and tumour cells. Methods: 50 adult human mandibles were studied irrespective of age and sex. The position of MF was recorded in relation to various landmarks on mandibular ramus and presence of AMFs were noted on both sides. Results: The mean distance of MF from anterior border of the ramus of mandible is 15.92±2.52 mm on right side and 16.12±2.24 mm on left side, from posterior border of the ramus of the mandible is 12.64±2.10 mm on right side and 12.83±2.04 mm on left side, from mandibular notch is 21.23 mm on right side and 21.16 mm on left side, from angle of mandible is 21.78±3.20 mm on right side and 21.26±3.34 mm on left side and from base of the mandible is 24.80±3.00 mm on right side and 24.60±3.10mm on left side. AMFs were observed in 12% cases on right side and 16% cases on left side. Conclusion: Exact knowledge of MF is important for planning and conducting dental surgeries and knowledge of AMFs help the radiotherapists for planning of cancer treatment.