| Objective:This study aims to observe the age-related changes of the medial lingual foramina(MLF)and the medial lingual canal(MLC)in the midline symphysis of the mandible by the cone beam computed tomography(CBCT),and to analyze the factors influencing the differences of MLF and MLC among the individuals with different ages as well,so as to provide a basis for the operations on the midline symphysis of the mandible of different age individuals to avoid relevant complications.Methods:A total of 280 individuals who visited the Department of Stomatology of Shandong Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2021 to December 2021 were included according to the inclusion criteria,and were divided into four groups according to the age.The CBCT images of included individuals were collected.In CBCT images,MLF and MLC were located for each patient.The numbers and the diameters of MLFs,their distributions on the mental spine,and the distances to alveolar ridge crest and the inferior margin of mandible were measured and recorded.The lengths and the angles of MLCs,and their distances to labial bone wall were also measured and recorded.SPSS 26.0 was used for statistical analyses for the measured values,so as to explore the correlation of age and gender with MLF and MLC.P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant difference.Results:1.A total of 473 MLFs were found in the CBCT images from the 280 cases.There was at least one MLF and at most three MLFs for each case.The numbers of MLFs in minors were significantly higher than those in adults,and the proportion of minors with 2-3 MLFs was significantly higher than that of adults(P<0.05).In addition,the proportion of minors with MLF diameter≥1 mm was higher than that of adults(P<0.05).The distance from MLC to labial bone wall in minors was shorter than that in adults(P<0.05).However,there was no difference of the number and the diameter of MLF and the distance from MLC to labial bone wall between male and female subgroups.2.Most of the MLFs were distributed above or below the mental spine,and the numbers of MLFs with diameter≥1 mm above the mental spine was significantly higher than those below the mental spine(P<0.05).However,there was no significant difference of the distribution of MLFs between age and gender groups.3.There were significantly differences of the distance from MLF to alveolar ridge crest,the length of MLC,and the angle of MLC between individuals with different genders(P<0.05);The differences of the measured values of MLF and MLC between different positions were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:1.The incidence of MLF and MLC is 100%.Therefore,MLF and MLC are suggested to be fully evaluated before surgical operation in the midline symphysis of the mandible to avoid accident damage to its internal anatomical structure.2.The numbers and diameters of MLFs,and the distances from MLCs to labial bone wall vary according to age.Generally,the minors have more and larger MLFs,as well as shorter distance from MLC to labial bone wall.Therefore,pre-operative plans are required and important for the surgeries involving the midline symphysis of the mandible,especially for the minors.3.Through CBCT images,the positions,the structures and the directions of MLFs and MLCs can be clearly defined.Pre-operative CBCTs are suggested before the surgeries involving the midline symphysis of the mandible to reduce the occurrence of relevant complications. |
PDF Full Text Request