The anatomic structure of the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle in the third molar region.
OBJECTIVE
The arrangement of the structures within the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle has not been clearly defined. Because this could be of importance in surgery involving the inferior alveolar canal, a study was undertaken.


METHODS
The inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle was dissected from 8 cadaveric mandibles and examined for the arrangement of the inferior alveolar artery, vein, and nerve. Histologic sections were taken for examination, and simultaneously, the bundle was exposed as part of a clinical surgical procedure for a marginal resection of the mandible.


RESULTS
All 3 studies confirm that the inferior alveolar vein lies superior to the nerve and that there are often multiple veins. The artery appears to be solitary and lies on the lingual side of the nerve, slightly above the horizontal position. This position appeared to be consistent in all cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge of the arrangement of the inferior alveolar artery vein and nerve within the inferior alveolar canal can be of importance in surgical procedures that may involve these structures. Dentoalveolar surgery, implant-related surgery, and surgery for trauma or pathology could involve these structures.
Pogrel
M Anthony
MA
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0440, USA. tony.pogrel@UCSF.edu
Dorfman
David
D
Fallah
Heshaam
H
D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional; D000718:Anatomy, Regional; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008438:Maxillary Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008964:Molar, Third