Prevalence of Retromolar Foramen in Dry Human Mandibles: A Cross-sectional Study

• Main Authors: T Sumalatha, Manasa Bethi, Sailaja Vedula
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: JCDR Research and Publications Pvt. Ltd. 2021-07-01
• Series: International Journal of Anatomy Radiology and Surgery
• Subjects: jaw bone; nerve; ramus
• Online Access: http://www.ijars.net/articles/PDF/2673/46839_CE[Ra1]_F(SHU)%20GC(AnK)_PF1(SY_SL)_PFA(SY_KM)_PN(KM).pdf
• ISSN: 2277-8543; 2455-6874

Introduction: Retro molar foramen present in the retro molar area is related with neurovascular contents, which can be manipulated in surgical procedures. So the knowledge of the presence of foramen is important. In this study, presence of retro molar foramen is identified on dry mandibles. Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of the retro molar foramen, its size and shape and the distance of the retromolar foramen from the last socket and the anterior border of mandible and its clinical implications. Materials and Methods: This was cross-sectional study conducted for a period of 3 months from September 2019 to November 2019. Forty mandibles were observed on both sides for the presence of the retromolar foramen and its size was measured with a divider and ruler to the nearest millimeters and its shape was observed. The distances of the foramen from last molar socket and also from the anterior border of the mandible were measured with a divider and ruler to the nearest millimeters. Results: Among the 80 sides, on 9 sides (11.25%) retromolar foramen was found: 5 (6.25%) on right side, 2 (2.5%) on left side and 1 (1.25%) bilaterally. Conclusion: According to the present study retromolar foramen can be sometimes observed in mandibles. For surgical and anaesthetical procedures in the retro molar area, retro molar foramen is considered as the neurovascular bundle is passing through it.