Topography of the Mandibular Lingula in Pediatric Patients on CBCT

Objectives: Introduction: Knowing the position of the mandibular lingula is important for local anesthesia and orthognatic surgery.
Aim: To determine the position of the mandibular lingula in a sample of CBCTs taken on pediatric patients.

Methods: Material and Methods: A sample of 280 out-patient CBCT (i-CAT®) scans (153 ♂ and 127 ♀) (UW-SoD dept. of pediatric dentistry) divided into age groups: 6-9 y old (N=103), 10-13 y old (N=103) and 14-18 y old (N=74). After investigator calibration, images were assessed using InVivo5® software. Relative position of lingula was determined to anterior and posterior border of the ramus, the mandibular notch, to inferior border of the mandible and distance to the mandibular plane.
Results: Results: Irrespective of age, distance of the lingula to the anterior border of the ramus was significantly greater in boys versus girls for both sides (18.31 ± 2.39mm vs.17.68 ± 2.17 mm and 18.39 ± 2.22 mm vs. 17.80 ±2.07 mm). The distance of the lingula to the posterior border of the ramus was significantly larger in boys only on the right side (15.19 ± 1.71 mm vs. 15.54 ± 1.85 mm). The distance of the lingula to the inferior border of the mandible was significantly larger in boys only on the left side (27.88 ± 4.63 mm vs. 26.78 ± 3.80 mm). The distance of the lingula to the level of the occlusal plane was significantly greater in girls (right side: 5.72 ± 2.92 mm vs. 4.61 ± 3.27 mm and left side: 4.99 ± 2.95 mm vs. 3.96 ± 3.20). Significant differences between age groups in boys (1) and girls (2) were noted for both sides: distance from lingula to (1) posterior border of ramus, (1,2) mandibular notch, (1,2) inferior border mandible and (1,2) occlusal plane.

Conclusions: Conclusion: These findings are helpful for local anesthesia and orthognatic surgery interventions.