title: [Studies of the course of the marginal branch of the facial mandibular nerve].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In many operations involving the submandibular and lower cheek region, the mandibular branch of the facial nerve is in danger.
  
  
  METHODS
  On the basis of 55 facial dissections, we classified the course of the nerve into one of three types.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In about 66% of cases, the nerve runs below the angle and below the inferior border of the mandible. Typically, the mandibular branch consists of up to four major branches. The maximum distance between the lowest point of the mandibular branch and the inferior border of the mandible was 1.4 cm. We also studied the location of the nerve in relation to the facial vessels and the posterior facial vein.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Incisions in the submandibular region should be performed at least 2 cm below the inferior border of the mandible. The nerve can be spared by ligature and by retracting the anterior facial vein.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenkrankheiten der Universität Göttingen.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rödel
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lang
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000294:innervation*; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012016:Reference Values
vernacular_title: Untersuchungen zum Verlauf des Ramus marginalis mandibulae nervi facialis.