Cone beam computed tomographic analyses of the position and course of the mandibular canal: relevance to the sagittal split ramus osteotomy.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to document the position and course of the mandibular canal through the region of the mandibular angle and body in dental patients, using cone beam computed tomographic imaging.


METHODS
The position and course of the mandibular canal from the region of the third molar to the first molar were measured at five specific locations in the same plane: at three different positions just between the first and second molars; between the second and third molars; and just distal to the third molar.


RESULTS
The study sample was composed of 500 hemimandibles from 250 dental patients with a mean age of 26.32. Significant differences were found between genders, distances, and positions. B decreased significantly from the anterior positions to the posterior positions in both females and males. The mean values of S and CB increased significantly from the posterior positions to the anterior positions in both females and males.


CONCLUSIONS
Because the sagittal split ramus osteotomy is a technically difficult procedure, we hope that the findings of the present study will help the surgeon in choosing the safest surgical technique for the treatment of mandibular deformities.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Erciyes University, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey.
Ahmet Ercan
AE
Sekerci
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Abant Izzet Baysal University, 14280 Bolu, Turkey.
Halil
H
Sahman
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012189:Retrospective Studies