Incidence and Localization of Accessory Mandibular Foramen in East Indian Population–A Single Centre Experience

Smita Patra; Sunita Nayak; Swagatika Pradhan; Dibya Bara; Chinmayi Mohapatra

Volume : V, Issue : VII, July - 2015

Incidence and Localization of Accessory Mandibular Foramen in East Indian Population–A Single Centre Experience

Smita Patra, Sunita Nayak, Swagatika Pradhan, Dibya Bara, Chinmayi Mohapatra

Abstract :

 The passage of blood vessels and nervesmake the accessory mandibular foramen (AMF) clinically important for dental surgeons, anesthetists, oncologists and radiotherapists. The aim of the present study is to determine the incidence and localization of AMF in adult mandibles in East Indian population and highlight its clinical significance. 160 dried adult human mandibles irrespective of gender were collected from the Department of Anatomy, SCB MCH Cuttack. Mandibles were observed for the presence and precise location of accessory mandibular foramen on the medial surface of ramus with the help of a magnifying lens. Only those foramina with diameter >1mm were taken into account. This study shows that AMF was found in 118 mandibles (73.7%) with 31.9% unilateral having 19.4% right and 12.5% left and 41.8 % bilateral . Single AMF was found in146 cases, double in 32 cases and triple in 4 cases. Incidence of AMF on the right side was more than left by 6.9%. Commonest position was found to be above and behind in 129 (71%) cases with aboveand infront being 32(17.6%)and below in 20 (11%) cases. A proper understanding of the presence or absence of these foramina can provide valuable information regarding the anching pattern of inferior alveolar nerve. Thus, the anatomical details of these foramina are important for various fields of dentistry and oncology for planning their treatment at an appropriate site.