ABSTRACT
Introduction: Morphometric assessment of mental foramina (MF) of the mandible for its variable position is considered to be helpful for the surgeons and dentists for the localized surgical procedures and for the anesthetists to execute nerve block practices. Hence the objective of the present study is to establish the morphometric variability in the position of MF in terms of gender in the mandibles of Southern Indian origin with possible clinical implications. Methods: The shape, size, and location of MF were measured on both sides of the mandible (n=92). Location of MF was established by measuring the distance from MF to the [1] mental symphysis [2] alveolar crest, [3] the base of the mandible, and [4] posterior border of the ramus of the mandible. All the morphometric data were analyzed statistically with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The higher incidence (58.7%) of rounded MF was recorded. There were no cases of MF anterior to the first pre-molar and below the 1st molar. Most of them (45.7%) were below the 2nd premolar. There was a significant association between gender and the position of the MF (p=0.011). But, no association between gender and side as well as the shape was noted. Significant associations were found between gender and the distance from mental foramen to the posterior border of the ramus and also to the alveolar crest. A significant association between the gender and the positions of the MF was noted. Conclusion: The variations observed from previous studies might be related to the feeding habits of different regions which may ultimately, affect the development of mandibles. Prior knowledge regarding the common positions of MF in local populations is helpful in effective nerve blocks and maxillofacial surgeries.
ABSTRACT
Ayurveda is an ancient science dealing with health care. In the ancient period, the knowledge was passed down from mouth to ear in an oral tradition. Later on, the Acharyas began to record these knowledge by writing it down on different materials like palm leaves, birch bark, copper plates.etc. Thus, Ayurveda began to be codified through centuries in written documents called Manuscripts. India is rich in its collection of medical as well as other manuscripts. Most of these remain unpublished. As such, several unique disease conditions and medical formulations contained in these texts are being lost by decaying. Many versions of the same text can be obtained from different places and therefore different readings about the same subject are seen. Ayurveda being mostly presented in Sanskrit language, a slight difference in reading makes a lot of difference in the interpretation of its meaning. Critical edition of a manuscript deals with the analysis of various versions of a text, to find out which is more meaningful and closer to the original text. It conveys many unique ideas; clarify the existing confusions and misinterpretations. Thus critical edition of all Ayurveda manuscripts is necessary. In the recent times a lot of Ayurveda scholars are coming up with the aim of bringing out the knowledge hidden inside these manuscripts through their critical edition. The aim of this paper is to review the various steps involved in the critical edition of a manuscript through examples.