Burak Küçük; Abdullah Ortadeveci; Aybegum Balci; Yadigar Akbas & Tuna Karahan
This study examines the osteometric characteristics of the human mandible, with a particular focus on the localization of the mandibular foramen—a crucial anatomical landmark for surgical and anesthetic procedures. Accurate identification of this structure is essential to minimize complications during inferior alveolar nerve blocks and orthognathic surgeries. Despite its clinical importance, existing literature lacks comprehensive analyses that assess the combined effects of multiple anatomical variables on mandibular foramen localization. The present study analyzed 62 dry human mandibles, measuring key parameters, including the mandibular angle-mental protuberance distance (MAMP), the posterior margin-foramen distance (PMRMF), and the inferior margin-foramen distance (MMF). A linear regression model was developed to predict the mandibular angle-to-foramen distance (MAMF) based on these variables. The formula worked 78.9 % of the variance in MAMF, with MMF emerging as the most influential predictor. The mean maximum ramus width was recorded at 43.0 mm, with the minimum ramus width averaging 29.5 mm. Variability was also evident in measurements such as MAMP (87.9 mm), PMRMF (14.1 mm), MMF (24.9 mm), and MAMF (20.6 mm), accompanied by standard deviations ranging from 2.03 mm to 7.90 mm. This study identifies significant morphometric variations in mandibular foramen localization across populations, emphasizing the influence of genetic and environmental factors. The findings underscore the need for population-specific standards to enhance clinical accuracy. By providing a statistical framework, this research aids surgical planning, anesthesia, and forensics. Larger, diverse samples are recommended for validation.
KEY WORDS: Mandibular foramen; Osteometric measurements; Mandibular morphology; Inferior alveolar nerve.
KÜÇÜK, B.; ORTADEVECI, A.; BALCI, A.; AKBAS, Y. & KARAHAN, T. A novel formula for the accurate localization of the mandibular foramen based on osteometric measurements. Int. J. Morphol., 43(4):1307-1312, 2025.
