Radiographic Evaluation of Anterior Loop of Inferior Alveolar Nerve: A Cone-Beam Computer Tomography Study

Abstract

Background:

A well awareness of the variation of inferior alveolar canal is mandatory to avoid iatrogenic complication. This study was conducted among 90 patients to determine variation in inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) loop through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Materials and Methods:

CBCT images of 90 patients were involved in this study. All images were studied by the expert radiologist to see Type I, Type II, and Type III pattern of IAN canal (IANC). Results were subjected to statistical analysis for correct inferences.

Results:

Forty males and 50 females were included in the study. The difference was statistically nonsignificant (P = 0.5). Type I pattern was seen in 26 patients, Type II in 19, and Type III in 45 patients. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The most prevalent pattern was Type III (males - 15 and females - 30), followed by Type I (males - 14 and females - 12) and Type II (males - 11 and females - 8). There was statistical significance difference between males and females in Type II (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The anterior loop of IAC is quite common and IANC may show variation in structure. The most common pattern recorded was Type III. CBCT is very useful in the detection of IANC.

INTRODUCTION

The thorough knowledge of anatomical structures and landmarks are of paramount importance in dentistry. Let it be a dental implant in prosthodontics, surgical extraction of an impacted tooth in oral surgery, apicectomy and retrograde restoration in endodontics, gingivectomy, or flap surgery in periodontics, etc., adequate distance from vital anatomical structures are necessary to maintain normal function of the oral cavity.[1]

In mandible, important landmarks such as mental foramen, mandibular canal or inferior alveolar nerve canal (IANC), submandibular fossa, and mandibular foramen are of prime importance whereas in maxilla, floor of maxillary sinus or nasal cavity carry huge value. The variation in their structure, anatomy is a challenge for dentists as they may show the disparity in person-to-person. IANC has superior and inferior borders which carries neurovascular bundles. Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) may be directed anteriorly or inferiorly from the mental foramen forming loop by curving back termed as anterior loop of IAN.[2]

IANC itself may show variation in its structures. It can be straight and angled. The placement of the dental implant in premolar region may demands precise study of the region as improper placement may lead to paresthesia and ultimately failure of treatment. To avoid iatrogenic complication, the sound awareness of its alteration is considerable. Various studies have reported the prevalence rate that ranges from 22% to 88%.[3,4]

Computed tomography (CT), cone-beam CT (CBCT), and direct anatomical analysis are reliable diagnostic tools for assessing its position and exact location. CBCT has been proved slightly better in this regards since it provides fine details and less patient exposure as compared to CT. Moreover, it gives image without overlapping and distortion.

In some studies, anatomical planes have been utilized as landmarks in determining the anterior limit of IAC.[5] Thus, there should be some reliable method which helps in locating anterior loop of IAC. Solar et al., classified anterior loop into Type I, Type II, and Type III. In Type I, Y-shaped anatomy is observed while anterior loop is missing; in Type II, anatomy is T-shaped while anterior loop is absent; and in Type III, Y-shaped anatomy is seen, and the incisive branch is thicker as compared to main branch.[6] This study was conducted to determine variation in IAN loop with the help of CBCT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study comprised 90 good quality CBCT images of patients visiting the Department of Radiology due to any complaint. All were informed regarding the study, and written consent was obtained. Ethical clearance was taken before the study. Patients with a history of some previous surgery in the mandible such as orthognathic surgery, operated cases of cysts and tumors in mandible, patients with developmental disorders, and trauma to mandible were excluded from the study. Poor quality images of no diagnostic value were not considered.

In all patients, CBCT images were obtained using the same machine (Newtom) under standardized exposure parameter (85 kVp, 12 s, and 10 mA) with the field of view 8 cm × 11 cm. Sagittal, axial, and coronal sections were obtained [Figures 1-3]. Panoramic views were utilized for generation of sections [Figure 4]. All sections were evaluated by senior radiologist. Results are tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using Chi-square test. A value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Figure 1.

Axial section showing the left and right mental foramen

Figure 3.

Coronal sections showing Type III pattern

Figure 4.

Panoramic section displaying inferior alveolar nerve canal

Figure 2.

Coronal sections showing Type I pattern

RESULTS

Table 1 shows that of 90 patients, males were 40 and females were 50. The difference was statistically nonsignificant (P-0.5). The mean age in males was 38.6 ± 2.4 years and in females was 34.2 ± 1.6 years. The difference was statistically nonsignificant (P = 0.12). Figure 5 shows that Type I pattern was seen in 26 (29%), Type II in 19 (21%), and Type III in 45 (50%) of patients. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Figure 6 shows that Type I pattern was observed in 14 (15.5%) males and 12 (13.4%) females, Type II pattern was seen in 11 (12.2%) males and eight females (8.8%), and Type III in 15 (16.7%) males and 30 (33.4%) females. There was a statistical significance difference between males and females in Type II (P < 0.05), whereas Type I and III did not show any difference (P > 0.05).

Table 1.

Distribution of patients

Figure 5.

Different types of inferior alveolar nerve loops

Figure 6.

Distribution of pattern according to gender

DISCUSSION

The detection of IAC can be seen in various radiographs. Panoramic radiographs being two-dimensional (2D) cannot help in exact localization. The anterior loop of IAN may not be seen on panoramic images. With the advent of CT and CBCT, this has been made easier. Three-dimensional (3D) nature of CBCT is very effective as all the sections such as axial, coronal, and sagittal may be utilized in detection of the IAC. Any variation in its structure or morphology is evident in CBCT sections. Any shortcoming on other radiological view other than CBCT may be overcome by it. This has revolutionized the field of dentistry since the presurgical assessment has made easier with the CBCT, thus minimized the risk of complication which may occur due to poor assessment of anatomical structures such as IAC. A recent study by Li et al.[7] in 2013, utilized spiral computer tomography in determining the prevalence, position, and length of IAC in a Chinese population. Another study by Kuzmanovic et al.[8] assessed the anterior loop of mental nerve by radiological and morphological study.

In this study, we involved 90 patients who were exposed to CBCT of the mandible to assess the IANC. It included 40 males and 50 females. We utilized axial, coronal, and sagittal sections and multiplanar reformation was done in detecting variation in patterns of IANC. The anterior loop of IAN showed Type III pattern in 50% of study population. The result of this study is in agreement with the study conducted by Demir et al.[9] who conducted study on Turkish population to detect anterior loop of IAC using CBCT. Type I was seen in 29% and Type II in 21% of cases.

We found that 15 males and 30 females exhibited Type III pattern (50%), whereas Type I was seen in 14 males and 12 females (28.9% subjects). Type II was seen in 19 patients (21.1%) (males - 11, females - 8). There was a statistical significance difference between males and females in relation to Type III pattern (P < 0.05), whereas other patterns were statistically nonsignificant (P > 0.05).

Kaya et al.[10] conducted a study to detect the anterior loop of IAN by comparing panoramic images with spiral CT and observed the lower prevalence of panoramic images as compared to spiral CT. The lower occurrence on panoramic may be explained by the fact that 2D nature of the imaging modality might miss the finer details whereas spiral CT showed higher prevalence rate. In this study, we utilized CBCT because it is quite cheaper as compared to CT. Moreover, it is beneficial regarding lower patient exposure, easy technique, and details are more evident. However, the only limitation with CBCT is low contrast and resolution as compared to CT.

Jacobs[11] conducted a study on 545 patients using panoramic radiographs and found prevalence rate of 11%, much lower than that found in this study. Kajan and Salari[12] conducted a study in the year 2012 on 84 Irani populations and found 36.9% occurrence of the anterior loop of IAN. De Oliveira-Santos et al.[13] observed 22%–28% of prevalence rate.

Solar et al.[6] conducted a study to detected intraosseous path of the mental nerve and suggested that 1–10 mm of distance from anterior margin of mental foramen should be considered as safety margin. This much distance from the anterior loop is highly advisable as most of the complications may be avoided which are prone to occur due to lack of knowledge of its variation. However, there is no standardized protocol that may be followed. Wismeijer et al.[14] have suggested 3-mm distance from mental foramen safety margin. The major complications such as paresthesia of the lower lip may be avoided by considering the safety margin. The placement of the dental implant anterior and posterior to this safety margin is beneficial for both patient and the operator.

Filo et al.[15] in their study, assessed the anterior loop of IAC at mental foramen and found it in >75% of patients. The bilateral occurrence was seen in most of the patients, thus suggesting CBCT as important radiographic aid before placing dental implant in the mandibular region, especially around premolars.

Watanabe et al.[16] in their study evaluated the mandible size and morphology through use of CT scan before placing implant. They suggested that CT analysis is very effective in surgical procedure, especially in the mandible. The approach of radiographic assessment of IAC and mental foramen was a crucial step in dental surgeries.

Few authors have correlated the prevalence of anterior loop of IAN with gender, age, and side.[17,18] Uchida et al.[19] in their study found that males have a higher prevalence of IAC as compared to females.[18,19] However, in this study we found its prevalence more in females, though the difference between gender was statistically nonsignificant. The measurement of the anterior loop of IAC was also done in their study, though we did not include this parameter in the present study. The need of 3D imaging was well appreciated.

CONCLUSION

There is variation in the occurrence of IANC. The anterior loop of IAN is quite common. In this study, we found different patterns. The most common pattern recorded was Type III. Females exhibited higher prevalence than males. This may help in gender identification. However, large-scale studies are required to substantiate the results obtained in this study. CBCT proved to be useful in detection of the masked anterior loop of IAN.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.