Detection of buccal perimandibular neurovascularisation associated with accessory foramina using limited cone-beam computed tomography and gross anatomy

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate buccal perimandibular neurovascularisation associated with the mandibular accessory buccal foramina (ABF) which were detected using a limited cone-beam computed tomography (limited CBCT).

Methods: Five Japanese cadaveric mandibles had been examined using helical CT to investigate the presence or absence of ABF. Two mandibles indicating the presence of AMF were examined more minutely using a limited CBCT. Following the three-dimensional radiological observation of ABF, the mandibles were removed from the cadavers and dissected with referring to the findings of AMF on the limited CBCT images.

Results: Four ABF of the three mandibular sides, which were depicted with limited CBCT, had different perimandibular neurovascularisation. Three accessory foramina were associated with the following arteries: a branch of the submental, facial, and buccal artery, and one was associated with a branch of the mental nerve. A branch of the mental nerve re-entered the mandible through the accessory foramen after it exited from a mental foramen.

Conclusion: Limited CBCT is useful for pre-operative three-dimensional assessment of mandible since high-resolution analysis demonstrates not only the skeletal conditions but also the assessment and suggestions of perimandibular neurovascularisation.