Study Of Pattern Of Distribution Of Mylohyoid Bridging And Their Clinical Implications

ABSTRACT

Background: The occurrence of mylohyoid bridges in mandible resulting compression of inferior alveolar andmylohyoid nerves, and vessels, is important cause of neuropathy in this region.Aim and objective: The present study was aimed at analyzing influence of sex and laterality in the occurrence ofmylohyoid bridging in Indian population, and establishing a clue to the underlying causes of paraesthesia ofidiopathic origin, in the territory of inferior alveolar and mylohyoid nerves.Methods: We studied 300 human mandibles (141 female and 159 male) for location and degree of mylohyoidbridging.Results: We found mylohyoid bridges in 15.66% mandibles. The proximal bridging was found more frequentlythan the distal bridging. The mylohyoid bridges were found in 7.8% female and 13.2% in male mandibles studied.We found mylohyoid bridges on 5% on right side and 5.66% on the left side, bilateral bridging was found in 5.33%mandibles.Conclusion: The frequency of occurrence of mylohyoid bridging was higher in male; however, laterality was not tobe significant amongst the mandibles studied. The location and degree of mylohyoid bridging are one of theimportant etiological factors of paraesthesia in the region of inferior alveolar and mylohyoid nerves distribution.