The relative position of the inferior alveolar nerve in cadaveric hemi-mandibles

The present study was planned to evaluate the position of the mandibular foramen (MF) and the course of the inferior alveolar nerve in 12 right and 14 left cadaveric hemimandibles. The soft tissue, including the muscle attachments of the mandible, was cleaned and the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle was dissected up to the MF. The distances from the MF to the angle, symphysis menti, 3^rd molar, and the lowest point of the mandibular notch were measured. The bone was chiseled from its lingual surface to expose the mandibular canal. The distances from the MF to the different landmarks did not show any side differences, except the one to the symphysis menti (P<0.05; Mann-Whitney 'U' test). Similarly, the distances from the nerve to the borders did not show any significant side differences either. These data indicate that, on average MF is located at a symmetrical point on the ramus of either side, although, not exactly at a fixed distance from any of the landmarks tested. Further, the canals were located either near to the middle or below, near to the base of the mandible. We conclude that the location of the MF varies from bone to bone, despite its bilateral symmetry. Further, the canal, and consequently the nerve, does not maintain a constant position in the mandible.