Imaging Sci Dent.  2016 Jun;46(2):77-85. 10.5624/isd.2016.46.2.77.

Novel three-dimensional position analysis of the mandibular foramen in patients with skeletal class III mandibular prognathism

• Kang SH
• Kim YH
• Won YJ
• Kim MK

• KMID: 2308870
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2016.46.2.77

Abstract

PURPOSE
To analyze the relative position of the mandibular foramina (MnFs) in patients diagnosed with skeletal class III malocclusion.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Computed tomography (CT) images were collected from 85 patients. The vertical lengths of each anatomic point from the five horizontal planes passing through the MnF were measured at the coronoid process, sigmoid notch, condyle, and the gonion. The distance from the anterior ramus point to the posterior ramus point on the five horizontal planes was designated the anteroposterior horizontal distance of the ramus for each plane. The perpendicular distance from each anterior ramus point to each vertical plane through the MnF was designated the horizontal distance from the anterior ramus to the MnF. The horizontal and vertical positions were examined by regression analysis.
RESULTS
Regression analysis showed the heights of the coronoid process, sigmoid notch, and condyle for the five horizontal planes were significantly related to the height of the MnF, with the highest significance associated with the MnF-mandibular plane (coefficients of determination (R2): 0.424, 0.597, and 0.604, respectively). The horizontal anteroposterior length of the ramus and the distance from the anterior ramus point to the MnF were significant by regression analysis.
CONCLUSION
The relative position of the MnF was significantly related to the vertical heights of the sigmoid notch, coronoid process, and condyle as well as to the horizontal anteroposterior length of the ascending ramus. These findings should be clinically useful for patients with skeletal class III mandibular prognathism.

Keyword

Mandibular Nerve; Mandibular Osteotomy; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Surgery, Computer-Assisted

MeSH Terms

Colon, Sigmoid
Humans
Imaging, Three-Dimensional
Malocclusion
Mandibular Nerve
Mandibular Osteotomy
Prognathism*
Surgery, Computer-Assisted

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Reference planes. A. Five horizontal planes are defined that pass through the mandibular foramen (MnF). B. Five vertical planes are defined that pass through the MnF.

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  Fig. 2 Five horizontal planes are used as reference planes for measuring the vertical height of the mandible: A. the MnF-mandibular plane; B. the MnF-occlusal plane; C. the MnF-SN/AGN p plane; D. the MnF-SN/Gn p plane; and E. the MnF-Cond/Gn p plane.

• 

  Fig. 3 Five vertical planes are used as reference planes for measuring the horizontal distance from the anterior ramus to the mandibular foramen (MnF). A. the normal MnF-MnPl plane; B. the normal MnF-OccPl plane; C. the SN/AGN plane; D. the SN/Gn plane; and E. the Cond/Gn plane.

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