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Accessory mandibular foramina: a CT study of 300 cases

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess the distribution of accessory foramina in the mandibular body with computed tomography (CT).

Materials and methods

The CT images of the mandibular body in 300 subjects (183 females and 117 males aged between 12 and 85 years) were retrospectively analysed for the presence of accessory foramina. The buccal and lingual surfaces were examined by dividing them into anterior and posterior quadrants.

Results

Of the 300 subjects, 26 presented with accessory foramina on buccal posterior aspect and 70 subjects presented on buccal anterior aspect. Further, on the lingual posterior aspect, 132 subjects presented with accessory foramina and 59 subjects presented on lingual anterior aspect. Most of the subjects with accessory foramina in the buccal posterior, buccal anterior and lingual anterior regions had accessory foramina on other aspects of the mandible as well.

Conclusion

A substantial number of subjects presented with accessory foramina on the lingual posterior aspect when compared to other aspects. Nevertheless, the number of subjects with accessory foramina on other aspects of the mandible was considerable and cannot be ignored. It is suggested that when an accessory foramen is identified in an individual on a particular aspect of the mandibular body, it is highly probable that he will exhibit accessory foramina on other aspects as well.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they do not have any conflict of interest.

Ethical standards

This study has been approved by the ethical committee of the University of Showa, Tokyo, Japan. Hence, we hereby declare that the study complies with the current laws laid down by the University and the, country.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Radiology, Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, Showa University School of Dentistry, 2-1-1 Kita-senzoku, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 145-8515, Japan

    Seema Patil, Yukiko Matsuda & Tomohiro Okano

Authors
  1. Seema Patil
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  2. Yukiko Matsuda
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  3. Tomohiro Okano
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Correspondence to Tomohiro Okano.

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Patil, S., Matsuda, Y. & Okano, T. Accessory mandibular foramina: a CT study of 300 cases. Surg Radiol Anat 35, 323–330 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-012-1044-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-012-1044-6

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