Cross sectional analysis of mandibular anthropometric points using CBCT to derive biometric measurements for a safer approach to mandible osteotomies

Purpose: This study aims to derive a series of biometric measurements using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) from a cross sectional group of population to help the surgeon accurately locate the mandibular foramen and the mental foramen during mandibular osteotomies. Methods: CBCT images of 800 subjects were evaluated. Various measurements were noted and compared between the two sides of the mandible in and between the sexes. Result: Statistically significant values were noted between the right and left sides of Line X to Point A in female subjects, Line Z & Line B only in male subjects and Line X’ in both male and female subjects. However, Line Y was found to be significant when comparing both sides in both males and females and also on correlation between the genders. Conclusion: Although the identification of the mandibular lingula and anatomical landmarks is an important step during mandibular osteotomies, the position of one side, however, cannot be blindly extrapolated to the contra lateral side. Also, pre operative CBCT is a useful tool to derive measurements which when transferred clinically during the surgery gives an accurate and safe approach for localisation of lingula, thus reducing the incidence of post operative neurologic morbidities.