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Extramandibular position of the inferior alveolar nerve. Analysis and review of the literature

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Abstract

We report a highly unusual case of unilateral absence of the mental foramen, with the inferior alveolar nerve exiting the mandible via an orifice situated on the lateral surface of the angle of the mandible. However, the teeth on this side of the dental arch had normal sensitivity, and the mandible had grown correctly. Despite the absence of intraosseous course, the inferior alveolar nerve seems to keep its neural and guide roles.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Plastic and Cranio-Facial Surgery, Hôpital Lapeyronie, 371 avenue du doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295, Montpellier, France

    Christian Herlin

  2. Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Hôpital Gui de Chauliac, 80, avenue Augustin Fliche, 34090, Montpellier, France

    Christian Herlin, Jacques Yachouh & Jean Louis Journet

  3. Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, 47 boulevard de l’Hôpital, 75013, Paris, France

    Patrick Goudot

  4. 8, rue du cannau, Montpellier, France

    Christian Herlin

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  1. Christian Herlin
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  2. Jacques Yachouh
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  3. Jean Louis Journet
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Correspondence to Christian Herlin.

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Herlin, C., Yachouh, J., Journet, J.L. et al. Extramandibular position of the inferior alveolar nerve. Analysis and review of the literature. Surg Radiol Anat 35, 811–815 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-013-1099-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-013-1099-z

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