A study of the shape, height and location of the lingula in dry human mandibles

ABSTRACT

Aim: The present study aims to analyze the shapes of the lingula, its height and relationship with the mandibularramal landmarks.Material and Methods: Dried mandibles were included in the study without sex differentiation. The shape of thelingula was studied in 60 mandibles. In each mandible, the lingula was scored using the classification proposedby Tuli et al (2000) i.e., triangular, truncated, nodular and assimilated. 120 sides of mandibles were studied forvarious measurements, using sliding caliper.Results: The most common shape of the lingula was found to be ‘triangular’ and the least common was ‘assimilated’.The mean height of the lingula was 7.77 +1.8 mm. The mean distance of the lingula from anterior border, posteriorborder and notch of the mandibular ramus was 17.38 +2.52 mm, 15.96 +1.91 mm and 16.26 +2.36 mm respectively.Conclusion: This study provides information regarding shape, height, and location of the lingula. Thus, the studywill assist surgeons to locate the lingula and avoid intraoperative complications.