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Micro-CT assessment of changes in the morphology and position of the immature mandibular canal during early growth

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Abstract

Purpose

The mandibular canal contributes to the development and growth of the mandible, as it acts as a conduit for the growing inferior alveolar neurovascular structures. A clear understanding of the canal’s pathway is, therefore, important in interpreting the growth pattern of the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle. This study investigated the position of the mandibular canal within the body of the mandible and its general dimensions within a pediatric collection of mandibles.

Methods

The sample included 45 mandibles and was subdivided into three: group 1 (30 gestational weeks to birth), group 2 (birth to 12 months), and group 3 (1 to 4 years). Mandibles were scanned using a Nikon XTH 225L micro-CT unit. Scanning conditions ranged between 85 kV/83 µA and 100 kV/100 µA. Measurements included: the maximum width and height of the mandibular canal and distances between the mandibular canal and the relevant surfaces of the mandible. Data analysis included an ANOVA, MANOVA, and principal component analysis.

Results

The mandibular canal increased significantly in size from 30 gestational weeks to 12 months relative to the deciduous molar crypts. Postnatally, the mandibular canal increased significantly in height at the level of the second deciduous molar crypt. The canal lies closer to the buccal surface in the region of the first and second deciduous molar teeth.

Conclusion

The consistency in the positioning of the mandibular canal within the body of the mandible may assist in predicting the occurrence of aberrant growth patterns, particularly during the initial stages of growth.

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Acknowledgments

Mr Frikkie de Beer and Mr Lunga Bham of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation are acknowledged for their use of the MIXRAD facilities. The authors would also like to acknowledge Drs. Kris Carlson and Tea Jashashvili of the Paleontological Sciences Institute, University of the Witwatersrand for use of computer facilities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

    E. F. Hutchinson, G. Florentino & B. Kramer

  2. Department of Radiation Sciences, South African Nuclear Energy Corporation, Pelindaba, South Africa

    J. Hoffman

Authors
  1. E. F. Hutchinson
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  2. G. Florentino
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  3. J. Hoffman
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  4. B. Kramer
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Correspondence to E. F. Hutchinson.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Hutchinson, E.F., Florentino, G., Hoffman, J. et al. Micro-CT assessment of changes in the morphology and position of the immature mandibular canal during early growth. Surg Radiol Anat 39, 185–194 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-016-1694-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-016-1694-x

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