The aim of this study was to ascertain the distance from the mandibular canal to the lateral, medial and upper zones of the mandibular ramus in order to identify safety margins that reduce the risk of nerve injuries in the process of removing a bone graft. A descriptive study was conducted, analyzing bilaterally 20 CBCT exams from different patients, taking measurements at 4 points in the central, lateral and medial areas of the corresponding mandibular ramus, which was located at a distance of 5 mm between each line, starting at the distal point of the second molar. Forty hemimandibles were included in this study, estimating a vertical distance for the 4 points of analysis, from between 16 and 17 mm, a distance laterally of 5 mm approximately and medially approximately from 3 to 3.9 mm; the lateral zone was significantly larger than the medial zone. It is estimated that the maximum achievement of a bone block from the area posterior to the second molar must be 13 mm deep and 3 mm laterally to minimize the risks of injuries to the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle.
KEY WORDS: Mandibular ramus; Bone graft; Donor site.
PARRA, M.; JARA, J.; NAVARRO, P.; VÁSQUEZ, B. & OLATE, S. Computed tomography-guided bone block harvesting from the mandibular ramus. Int. J. Morphol., 36(1):362-366, 2018.
