Study Of Distribution Of Various Accessory Foramina In 100 Human Mandibles Of South India

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Any unnamed opening is termed as Accessory foramen. Mandible being the strongest bone of theskull is pervaded by many accessory foramina other than mandibular and mental foramen. In the present studyaccessory mandibular, mental, retromolar and lingual foramina are distinguished and clinical implications arediscussed. The presence of such foramina if not identified during clinical practice may cause complications.Hence our study is done to find out the incidence and distribution of various accessory foramina of mandibleamong South Indians.Materials and Methods: The study was done on 100 adult dry human mandibles of South Indian origin obtainedfrom first MBBS students. The location and distribution of various accessory foramina were carefully observed,noted and tabulated.Results: Accessory foramen was found in 93% of mandibles. Accessory lingual foramen was found in 93 mandibles,with supraspinous foramen in 84%, accessory mandibular foramen in 34%, accessory mental foramen in 12%and retromolar foramen in 6%.Conclusion: Presence of accessory foramina may cause failure of anaesthesia during inferior alveolar nerveblock and haemorrhage during mandibular reconstruction surgeries owing to the neurovascular structurespassing through these accessory foramina. The clinicians should be aware about the presence of such accessoryforamina during the procedures.