Abstract
This case study describes anatomical variations in the branching pattern of the posterior division of the trigeminal nerve and its clinical implications for dental and craniofacial surgery. The study presents two uncommon variations observed in an elderly male cadaver. A communicating branch connecting one of three roots of the auriculotemporal nerve and inferior alveolar nerve just before entering the mandibular foramen on the right side, and three communicating branches between the IAN and lingual nerve on the left side. The presence of such variations may complicate anesthesia associated with oral surgery procedures.
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Acknowledgements
The authors sincerely thank those who donated their bodies to science so that anatomical research could be performed. Results from such research can potentially increase mankind’s overall knowledge that can then improve patient care. Therefore, these donors and their families deserve our highest gratitude [7].
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JI and RST conceived the concept and designed the study; NK, KF, JI, and RST contributed to the concept; JI and RST acquired the data; ET, DS, and NK wrote the manuscript; NK, FK, JI, and RST edited the manuscript and all authors approved the manuscript.
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The present study was performed in accordance with the requirements of the Declaration of Helsinki (64th WMA General Assembly, Fortaleza, Brazil, October 2013). The present study protocol did not require approval by the ethics committees of our institutions.
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Tsakiris, E., Kitagawa, N., Fukino, K. et al. A rare case of the auriculotemporal and inferior alveolar nerves communication. Surg Radiol Anat 46, 191–194 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-023-03283-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-023-03283-9