Morphometric analysis of adult human mandible and their ratios

Abstract

Mandible is the strongest bone in the face region required for the process of mastication. The inferior alveolar nerve travels inside the bone in the mandibular canal to supply the lower teeth. The measurement of various parameters of mandible allows the proper localisation of nerve for anaesthetic block. Also, the ratios between factors assists during surgeries. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 97 dry adult human mandibles. Height of symphysis menti, ramus breadth and height, and distance of mandibular foramen from mandibular notch and base of mandible of both sides are measured. Ratios between ramus height and breadth and distances of mandibular foramen from above mentioned landmarks were computed. The mean height of symphysis menti was found to be 25.52 ± 4.32 mm. The mean values of height of ramus on right side was 46.18 ± 4.43 mm and on left was 46.57 ± 4.24 mm. The mean breadth of ramus was 32.29 ± 3.57 mm (right side) and 32.59 ± 3.75 mm (left side). It was found that mandibular foramen was closer to the mandibular notch than to the base of mandible on both sides. The ratios between the right and left side showed no significant differences. Inferior alveolar nerve block is required in various dental procedures for which mandibular foramen localisation is must. Dimensions of mandible help in surgical restructuring. Similarly, it aids in understanding the evolution of the bone.