Morphometric Assessment of the Mandible and Foramen in Pakistani Population

Abstract

Background
Mandibular size and foraminal anatomy vary in population to population​ because it gives passage to important anatomical structure that has great importance during clinical procedures. With broad literature review we found that no comprehensive morphometric data exist for the Pakistani population. This  cross-sectional analysis is performed on 86 dry adult mandibles (from Rawalpindi Medical University) to identify key mandibular dimensions and foraminal positions in a Pakistani sample.

Methods
Each mandible was measured twice with digital Vernier calipers (0.01 mm precision). Paired (left vs. right) parameters included mandibular body length, ramus height, and distances from the mandibular foramen to the anterior and posterior borders of the ramus. Unpaired parameters (bicondylar width and bigonial width) were measured across specimens. Morphological variants (e.g. accessory mental foramina) was also observed. Statistical comparison of sides used paired two-tailed t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests  (significance set at p<0.05).

Results
Significant side-to-side differences were found only for mandibular body length and the distance from the anterior border to the mandibular foramen mandibles (p<0.05). In paired dimensions only mandibular notch distance to angle showed statistically significant asymmetry. No accessory mental foramina were observed. Unpaired measurements such as bicondylar width (114.53 ± 5.44 mm), bigonial width (94.47 ± 6.93 mm), and symphysis menti height (28.57 ± 4.45 mm) were recorded descriptively.

Conclusion
This study provides the baseline mandibular measurements for a Pakistani sample. And  will improve anatomical orientation in the local population as precise knowledge of foraminal locations can enhance the accuracy of mandibular nerve block anesthesia.

Keywords
Mandible, Mandibular foramen, Anatomical variations, Morphometry, Pakistani population, Craniofacial anatomy