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Evaluation of mental foramina in adult living crania with MDCT

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Abstract

Purpose

Multi-detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) is an exquisite technique in demonstrating the cranial foramina. This study aimed to assess the anatomic variations and locations of mental foramina in living adult mandible by MDCT.

Methods

MDCT data of 100 dentulous adult subjects were collected from the high-resolution examinations that covered the mandible. Presence and number of foramina, their diameter and distance from the mid line that is mid sagittal plane and alveolar ridge were recorded.

Results

Mental foramina was clearly identified, localized and characterized in all subjects. Duplication was observed in four patients. Among them, one subject had bilateral accessory foramina. Mid line distances were significantly higher in men than women. Distances and diameters of right foramina were insignificantly higher in the males. Also, left foramina was insignificantly wider in women. Positive correlations were noticed between the measurements of right and left foramina.

Conclusions

This is the first study on mental foramina in living mandible with MDCT. With its tremendous capabilities, MDCT may be established in anatomical studies and preoperative planning.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey

    Alpay Haktanır

  2. Department of Radiology, Oltu State Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey

    Kadir Ilgaz

  3. Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey

    Nurten Turhan-Haktanır

Authors
  1. Alpay Haktanır
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  2. Kadir Ilgaz
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  3. Nurten Turhan-Haktanır
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Correspondence to Alpay Haktanır.

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Haktanır, A., Ilgaz, K. & Turhan-Haktanır, N. Evaluation of mental foramina in adult living crania with MDCT. Surg Radiol Anat 32, 351–356 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-009-0572-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-009-0572-1

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