Injury Risk Estimation in Mandible-Related Surgical Procedures: A CBCT Study Based on Vital Interforaminal Anatomical Structures.

The mandibular interforaminal region has been considered safe for surgical procedures; nevertheless, the risk of injury to neurovascular structures, such as the mental foramen (MF) and its related structures (anterior loop [AL] and lingual foramina [LF]) should not be overlooked. The study aimed to evaluate the relative risk of injury to these structures during surgical procedures in the anterior region of the mandible based on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. A retrospective cross-sectional and observational study was performed on 250 CBCTs from adults (18-69 years) with dentate jaws. Linear measurements of the MF, AL, and LF were evaluated to estimate the risk of injury to these structures during chin-related surgical procedures. The most frequent distance between the base of the mandible (BM) and MF was 8 mm (30.2%). In addition, 20.4% of the CTs had 6 mm from the vestibular cortical bone to the LF. The commonly found measurement from LF to the apex of the nearest tooth was 7 mm (24.0%); 64.2% of the CTs showed a 2-mm distance between the most distal point of the dental implant site to the most anterior point of the AL. Safety distances for genioplasty techniques (MF to mandible base > 6 mm, 96.6% [CI 95%, 95.0%-98.2%]) were observed. Considering the 5-mm cut-off point between the lower limit of a hypothetical bone graft and the chin, 65.4% (CI 95%, 58.9%-71.9%) of CTs were within this distance. Regarding the safety margin of 8 mm, 85.6% (CI 95%, 80.8%-90.4%) were up to this value. This study found safety margins for genioplasty and chin bone grafting surgical techniques that adopt a 5-mm cut-off point. Further similar studies assessing other surgical methods and employing larger samples from different geographical origins may contribute to this field of investigation.

Shape variation in cranium, mandible and teeth in selected mouse strains.

There are different strains of laboratory mouse used in many different fields. These strains differ anatomically. In order to determine these anatomical differences, shape analysis was conducted according to species. CD-1, C57bl/6 and Balb-c strains were preferred to study these differences. Forty-eight adult mouse strains belonging to these strains were utilized. The bones were photographed and geometric morphometry was applied to these photographs. Principal Component Analysis was applied to determine shape variations. In Principal component 1 for cranium, CD-1 and C57bl/6 strain groups showed different shape variations, while Balb-c strain group showed similar shape variations to the other strain groups. Principal Component 1 for the mandible separated the CD-1 and C57bl/6 strain groups in terms of shape variation. Principal Component 2 explained most of the variation between the C57bl/6 and CD-1 lineage groups. In PC1 for molars, the CD-1 group showed a different shape variation from the other groups. Mahalanobis distances and Procrustes distances were measured using Canonical variance analysis to explain the differences between the lineage groups. These measurements were statistically significant. For cranium, in canonical variate 1, CD-1 group of mouse and Balb-c group of mouse were separated from each other. In canonical variate 2, C57bl/6 group of mouse were separated from the other groups. For mandible, Balb-c group of mouse in canonical variate 1 and CD-1 group of mouse in canonical variate 2 were separated from the other groups. For molars, CD-1 group of mouse in canonical variate 1 and Balb-c group of mouse in canonical variate 2 were separated from the other groups. It was thought that these anatomical differences could be caused by genotypic factors as well as dietary differences and many different habits that would affect the way their muscles work.

The mylohyoid line is highly variable but does not affect the microarchitecture of the edentulous alveolar bone - an anatomical micro-CT study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate in the absence of teeth the variability of the mylohyoid line (ML), the microarchitecture of the adjacent bone, and whether the variable prominence/width of the ML is associated with the quality of the adjacent bone. METHODS: µCT scans of 28 human mandibles from anatomical specimens were analyzed. The following parameters were assessed in four edentulous areas (first and second premolar (PM), first, second, and third molar (M1/2/3)): ML width, cortical thickness (CtTh), average cortical- (Avg.Ct.BV/TV), and trabecular bone volume fraction (Avg.Tb.BV/TV). RESULTS: The ML width increased from the PM towards the M2 region, which also showed the highest variance (range: 0.4-10.2 mm). The CtTh showed a decrease in the M3 region, while Avg.Ct.BV/TV and Avg.Tb.BV/TV hardly differed among the regions. In the multivariable model on the effect of the various parameters on the ML width, only gender and tooth region were significant. Specifically, male specimens were associated with a wider ML width compared to female specimens and the M2 region was associated with a wider ML width compared to the other tooth regions. CONCLUSION: The ML width was not associated with the cortical and trabecular bone quality in the adjacent bone, while gender and tooth region had a significant effect. Specifically, the ML width was lower in female, but peaked in the M2 region with a median width of 3-4 mm. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: From a clinical point of view, it was confirmed that the ML is in general a highly variable structure, especially in the M2 region, but the ML width does not allow any conclusions on the bone quality. Altogether, this underlines the need for an individual and accurate diagnostic prior to any surgical intervention.

Vertical mandibular asymmetry and hand measurements in patients in growth: cross-sectional study.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the vertical mandibular ramus asymmetry and the hand measurements asymmetry in growing patients. Material and Methods: Panoramic radiographs and comparative radiographs of the right and left hands of 40 patients (14 males and 26 females) between 6 and 16 years old (mean age of 11.35±1.99 years) were evaluated. The total height of the mandibular ramus was measured, and the asymmetry index was calculated. The lengths of the proximal, middle and distal phalanges and the metacarpals of the five digits of both hands were measured and the absolute differences R-L were calculated for each one. Results: A statistically significant association between the presence of vertical mandibular ramus asymmetry and the presence of phalanges asymmetry FPII (p=0.016), FPIII (p=0.016), FPIV (p=0.033), FMIII (p=0.031) and FMIV (p=0.016) was observed. Conclusions: Mandibular asymmetry appears not to be isolated but also present in other body districts such as the phalanx bones. The total vertical asymmetry of the mandibular ramus showed an association with the asymmetry of the lengths of the FPIII, FMIII, FPIV, FMIV and FPII in growing individuals, with association between the side of mandibular asymmetry and the side of the phalanx's asymmetry. The asymmetry of this phalanges increases with increasing index of vertical mandibular ramus asymmetry.

Chewing asymmetry in dogs: Exploring the importance of the fossa masseterica and first molar teeth morphology.

Dogs are animals with strong bite force. This strong bite mechanism has led to significant changes in the skeletal system such as fossa masseterica. It can be thought that one side is used more than the other side in chewing and is related to the preference of using the same side's hand, eye and foot. In the study, directional asymmetry and fluctuating asymmetry, which occurs as a result of chewing asymmetry, were examined on the first molar teeth and the fossa masseterica in 85 dog mandibles including a wide diversity of morphotypes. The association of high PC1 values for directional asymmetry with a pronounced cranial index, as evident in breeds like Pekingese, Pomeranian and Bulldog, indicates a potential evolutionary or selective breeding trend favouring brachycephaly. On the contrary, guardian breeds like the German shepherd and Bernese mountain dog, which typically require strong jaws for their roles, showcased reduced PC1 values, which might be related to their functional morphology. Similarly, the PCA results for the first molar teeth shape variations also highlighted the influence of cranial shape, with boxer dogs displaying notably higher PC1 values. The fluctuating asymmetrical distributions provided valuable insights into individualistic variations. Interestingly, no specific breed distribution trend was observed for these asymmetries, indicating a more individual-based variation rather than breed-based. It is essential to note that while these results provide valuable insights, further studies are required to understand the underlying causes better. Factors like genetic variations, developmental processes, dietary habits and external environmental factors could play pivotal roles in these observed morphological differences.

Geometric morphometric evaluation of mandibles of four sheep breeds: Bardoka, Ivesi, Polish Mountain sheep and Turcana.

The enduring relationship between humans and domestic sheep has evolved over millennia, showcasing diverse uses such as meat, milk, wool, leather and fur, shaped by geographical, historical, cultural and social factors. The sheep breeds discussed include the Ivesi from Southeastern Anatolia, known for its varied animal products; the resilient Turcana breed of Romania; Kosovo's Bardoka, valued for its triple-purpose characteristics; and Poland's Polish Mountain Sheep, uniquely utilized for milk production in cheese making. Sheep, with their enduring relationship with humans and significant economic importance, have attracted scientific interest in morphometric studies of their mandibles, yielding valuable data applicable across various fields including basic anatomy, veterinary clinical anatomy, zooarchaeology and veterinary forensic medicine. Traditional morphometric studies rely on statistical methods to compare length, depth and angular ratios between anatomical formations, often highlighting differences between specific points but not fully revealing shape variations between distinct groups. Geometric morphometric analysis has emerged as a preferred method in recent years, enabling shape analyses using coordinate data from various imaging techniques, facilitating a comprehensive examination of mandibular morphometrics among sheep breeds across different countries. This study involved four sheep breeds from different countries, namely Ivesi from Turkey, Bardoka from Kosovo, Polish Mountain Sheep from Poland and Turcana from Romania, with a total of 70 mandibles sourced from various veterinary faculties. Mandibular photographs were meticulously captured, focusing on the right side of mandible pairs and placing landmarks and semi-landmarks along the entire edge, enabling geometric morphometric analysis using tpsUtil, tpsDig2 and MorphoJ software. The analysis included principal component analysis, canonical variate analysis and discriminant function analysis for pairwise comparisons, facilitating a comprehensive examination of mandibular shape variations among the different sheep breeds. Using geometric morphometric methods, this study analysed mandibles from four distinct sheep breeds sourced from different countries, revealing notable variations in regions such as the ramus mandibula, angulus mandibula and incisive areas, attributed to genetic, geographical and dietary influences, highlighting the importance of continued research to better comprehend these shape differences.

Clinical Anatomy of the Ligaments of the Face and Their Fundamental Distinguishing Features.

Our study aimed to clarify the anatomical features of the zygomatic, upper masseteric, lower masseteric and mandibular ligaments and their possible contribution to age-related gravitational ptosis. The study was carried out by the method of layered dissection of fresh cadavers. In several observations, the zygomatic ligament is represented by the fibers originating from the zygomaticus major muscle fibers. It is a true ligament with the fibers inserted directly into the skin. The upper and lower masseteric ligaments originate from the parotideomasseteric fascia and weave into the thickness of the SMAS. The mandibular ligament consists of two connective tissue laminae originating from the parotideomasseteric fascia at the lower edge of the mandible and from the inner surface of this fascia, along the anterior edge of the masseter muscle, skirting the facial vein sheath and the facial artery, traveling toward the platysma and the depressor anguli oris muscle, and merging with their fibers. The zygomatic ligament should be considered an osteo-musculocutaneous ligament, emphasizing the role of the associated zygomaticus major muscle in the mechanism of aging. The upper and lower masseteric and mandibular ligaments are false fascio-SMAS ligaments rather than osteo-cutaneous ones, playing the barrier role and fixing the superficial fascia and the platysma muscle.

Course and Relation of the Facial Vessels-An Anatomical Study.

Background and Objectives: Facial vascular anatomy plays a pivotal role in both physiological context and in surgical intervention. While data exist on the individual course of the facial artery and vein, to date, the spatial relationship of the vasculature has been ill studied. The aim of this study was to assess the course of facial arteries, veins and branches one relative to another. Materials and Methods: In a total of 90 halved viscerocrania, the facial vessels were injected with colored latex. Dissection was carried out, the relation of the facial vessels was studied, and the distance at the lower margin of the mandible was measured. Furthermore, branches including the labial and angular vessels were assessed. Results: At the base of the mandible, the facial artery was located anterior to the facial vein in all cases at a mean distance of 6.2 mm (range 0-15 mm), with three cases of both vessels adjacent. An angular vein was present in all cases, while an angular artery was only present in 34.4% of cases. Conclusions: The main trunk of the facial artery and vein yields a rather independent course, with the facial artery always located anterior to the vein, while their branches, especially the labial vessels, demonstrate a closer relationship.

Superimposition of virtual models using palatal rugae and maximum habitual intercuspation.

INTRODUCTION: The superimposition of 3 dimensions (3D) digital models has been increasingly used for evaluating dental changes resulting from orthodontic treatment, and different superimposition techniques have been described. Although the maxilla has areas with greater stability for superimposition, such as the palatal rugae, there is still no reliable method for superimposing models of the lower arch. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, this article aims to describe a technique for superimposing virtual models. METHODS: To evaluate pre- and post-orthodontic treatment changes, the Geomagic Qualify 2013 software (3D Systems®, Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA) was used, with reference points in the maxilla, including the rugae and a reference area in the palate and midpalatal raphe. The lower arch was superimposed using the maximum habitual intercuspation (MHI) model as reference. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: 3D models superimposition using palatal rugae and MHI occlusion seems to offer satisfactory results in the interpretation of clinical changes at different follow-up moments in terms of development and/or orthodontic treatment.

Comparative cephalometric study of the airways between different ethnic groups with normal occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the nasopharynx and oropharynx airway dimensions of Caucasians, Blacks, Japanese, Japanese Brazilians, and Black Caucasians. METHODS: A sample of 216 lateral radiographs of untreated young Brazilian subjects (mean age of 12.94 years; SD 0.88) were divided into five groups: Black Caucasian, Black, Caucasian, Japanese, and Japanese Brazilian. Lateral radiographs were used to measure the oropharynx (from the midpoint on the soft palate to the closest point on the anterior pharyngeal wall) and the nasopharynx (from the intersection of the posterior border of the tongue and the inferior border of the mandible to the closest point on the posterior pharyngeal wall). Analyses of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test were performed (p< 0.05). RESULTS: The linear dimension of the oropharynx was similar among the different ethnic groups. Caucasian individuals presented a significantly greater linear dimension of the nasopharynx than Black Caucasian and Black individuals. CONCLUSIONS: All the groups had similar buccopharyngeal values. However, Caucasian individuals had significantly higher values when compared to Black Caucasians and Black individuals.

Evolutionary patterns of cat-like carnivorans unveil drivers of the sabertooth morphology.

The sabertooth morphology stands as a classic case of convergence, manifesting recurrently across various vertebrate groups, prominently within two carnivorans clades: felids and nimravids. Nonetheless, the evolutionary mechanisms driving these recurring phenotypes remain insufficiently understood, lacking a robust phylogenetic and spatiotemporal framework. We reconstruct the tempo and mode of craniomandibular evolution of Felidae and Nimravidae and evaluate the strength of the dichotomy between conical and saber-toothed species, as well as within saber-toothed morphotypes. To do so, we investigate morphological variation, convergence, phenotypic integration, and evolutionary rates, employing a comprehensive dataset of nearly 200 3D models encompassing mandibles and crania from both extinct and extant feline-like carnivorans, spanning their entire evolutionary timeline. Our results reject the hypothesis of a distinctive sabertooth morphology, revealing instead a continuous spectrum of feline-like phenotypes in both the cranium and mandible, with sporadic instances of unequivocal convergence. Disparity peaked at the end of the Miocene and is usually higher in clades containing taxa with extreme sabertoothed adaptations. We show that taxa with saberteeth exhibit a lower degree of craniomandibular integration, allowing to exhibit a greater range of phenotypes. Those same groups usually show a burst of morphological evolutionary rate at the beginning of their evolutionary history. Consequently, we propose that a reduced degree of integration coupled with rapid evolutionary rates emerge as key components in the development of a sabertooth morphology in multiple clades.

Are computed tomography images of the mandible useful in age and sex determination? A forensic science meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This meta-analysis addresses the use of mandibular computed tomography (CT) scans for age and/or sex determination in forensic science. METHODS: Six databases were searched until June 2023, using the keyword "mandible" combined with keywords related to "multislice computed tomography" (MCT) or "cone-beam computed tomography" (CBCT) and keywords related to "skeletal age determination" or "sex determination analysis." MAIN RESULTS: Among the 23 studies included, 11 used MCT and 12 used CBCT to perform forensic assessments. Age determination was the aim of a single study, sex and agedeterminations were the objective of five studies, and the other studies investigated the determination of sex only. Metaanalysis could be performed only for sex determination. CONCLUSIONS: Mandible measurements are useful in sex determination, as the bicondylar and bigonial breadth are larger in males than in females. For the mandible angle, the meta-analysis results confirm sex dimorphism in CBCT scans but not in MCT scans. For age estimation, further studies are needed to prove that the mandible hole is a reliable parameter for age estimation. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021260967.

Influence of root shape on canal complexity at the mandibular molar apical surgical resection level: A micro-CT study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the aspect ratios of mandibular molar roots at the apical 3-mm level and their root canal complexity. DESIGN: This study used micro-CT imaging to analyze 163 two-rooted mandibular molars. The aspect ratios of the roots at the apical 3-mm level were categorized as "< 2.75" or "≥ 2.75" (mesial) and "< 1.75" or "≥ 1.75" (distal). A two-dimensional (2D) analysis focused on four apical axial cross-section levels to determine the presence of main and accessory canals and isthmus. Additionally, a three-dimensional (3D) assessment of the apical 4-mm of both roots examined main and accessory canals, apical foramina, apical deltas, and middle mesial canals. RESULTS: Mesial roots with aspect ratios ≥ 2.75 showed a higher number of main canals at all levels compared to those with aspect ratios < 2.75 at the 3-mm level. Additionally, the ≥ 2.75 group exhibited more accessory canals and a higher average number of accessory canals. The 3D assessment confirmed significantly more accessory canals and apical foramina in the ≥ 2.75 group. The prevalence of roots with apical deltas was nearly double in the ≥ 2.75 group, and middle mesial canals were exclusively found in this group. In the distal root, the ≥ 1.75 group showed a significantly higher number of main canals at all axial levels. No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of accessory canals, apical foramina, or deltas. CONCLUSIONS: A higher root aspect ratio is related to higher anatomical complexity.

Fossils document evolutionary changes of jaw joint to mammalian middle ear.

The dual jaw joint of Morganucodon1,2 consists of the dentary-squamosal joint laterally and the articular-quadrate one medially. The articular-quadrate joint and its associated post-dentary bones constitute the precursor of the mammalian middle ear. Fossils documenting the transition from such a precursor to the mammalian middle ear are poor, resulting in inconsistent interpretations of this hallmark apparatus in the earliest stage of mammaliaform evolution1-5. Here we report mandibular middle ears from two Jurassic mammaliaforms: a new morganucodontan-like species and a pseudotribosphenic shuotheriid species6. The morganucodontan-like species shows many previously unknown post-dentary bone morphologies1,2 and exhibits features that suggest a loss of load-bearing function in its articular-quadrate joint. The middle ear of the shuotheriid approaches the mammalian condition in that it has features that are suitable for an exclusively auditory function, although the post-dentary bones are still attached to the dentary. With size reduction of the jaw-joint bones, the quadrate shifts medially at different degrees in relation to the articular in the two mammaliaforms. These changes provide evidence of a gradual loss of load-bearing function in the articular-quadrate jaw joint-a prerequisite for the detachment of the post-dentary bones from the dentary7-12 and the eventual breakdown of the Meckel's cartilage13-15 during the evolution of mammaliaforms.

Shape variation and sex differences of the adult human mandible evaluated by geometric morphometrics.

In cases of osseous defects, knowledge of the anatomy, and its age and sex-related variations, is essential for reconstruction of normal morphology. Here, we aimed at creating a 3D atlas of the human mandible in an adult sample using dense landmarking and geometric morphometrics. We segmented 50 male and 50 female mandibular surfaces from CBCT images (age range: 18.9-73.7 years). Nine fixed landmarks and 510 sliding semilandmarks were digitized on the mandibular surface, and then slid by minimizing bending energy against the average shape. Principal component analysis extracted the main patterns of shape variation. Sexes were compared with permutation tests and allometry was assessed by regressing on the log of the centroid size. Almost 49 percent of shape variation was described by the first three principal components. Shape variation was related to width, height and length proportions, variation of the angle between ramus and corpus, height of the coronoid process and inclination of the symphysis. Significant sex differences were detected, both in size and shape. Males were larger than females, had a higher ramus, more pronounced gonial angle, larger inter-gonial width, and more distinct antegonial notch. Accuracy of sexing based on the first two principal components in form space was 91 percent. The degree of edentulism was weakly related to mandibular shape. Age effects were not significant. The resulting atlas provides a dense description of mandibular form that can be used clinically as a guide for planning surgical reconstruction.

Cranial anatomy of Emeroleter levis and the phylogeny of Nycteroleteridae.

Among the diverse basal reptile clade Parareptilia, the nycteroleters are among the most poorly understood. The interrelationships of nycteroleters are contentious, being recovered as both monophyletic and paraphyletic in different analyses, yet their anatomy has received little attention. We utilized x-ray computed tomography to investigate the skull of the nycteroleterid Emeroleter levis, revealing aspects of both the external and internal cranial anatomy that were previously unknown or undescribed, especially relating to the palate, braincase, and mandible. Our results reveal a greater diversity in nycteroleter cranial anatomy than was previously recognized, including variation in the contribution of the palatal elements to the orbitonasal ridge among nycteroleters. Of particular note are the unique dentition patterns in Emeroleter, including the presence of dentition on the ectopterygoid, an element which is typically edentulous in most parareptiles. We then incorporate the novel information gained from the computed tomography analysis into an updated phylogenetic analysis of parareptiles, producing a fully resolved Nycteroleteridae and further supporting previous suggestions that the genus 'Bashkyroleter' is paraphyletic.

Determining the position of the lingula and the mandibular foramen using the antilingula in orthognathic surgery.

BACKGROUND: The antilingula located on the lateral surface of the mandibular ramus has been served as a surgical landmark for the mandibular foramen on the medial surface for decades. However, whether the antilingula truly represents the lingula which is the bony prominence overlapping the mandibular foramen, or the foramen itself, is still unclear. This study thus aimed to examine the position of the antilingula in relation to three reference points: the lingula, the anterior and the posterior borders of the mandibular foramen, as well as to the reference plane used in the inferior alveolar nerve block, and to the posterior border of the mandible. METHODS: This observational study was performed in 113 Thai dry mandibles. The antilingula were identified followed by transferring the reference points to the lateral surface. The distances from the antilingula to the reference points, the reference plane and the posterior border of the ramus were then measured. Chi-square test was calculated for side-dependency of the antilingula. Paired t-test was calculated for difference in measurements in left and right sides. RESULTS: The antilingula could be identified in 92.48% of the mandibles with 86.67 - 90.00% accuracy and 86.67% reliability. There was no significant difference in the presence of the antilingula on left and right sides (p = 0.801). Only 2.5% and 0.83% of the antilingula correspond to the lingula and the anterior border of the mandibular foramen, respectively. However, 85% of the reference points were located within 11 mm radius. The antilingula was found located 2.80 mm inferior to the reference plane and 16.84 mm from the posterior border of the ramus. CONCLUSIONS: The antilingula does not concur with the reference points on the medial surface. Our study also suggests that the safe area for vertical osteotomy is 11 mm posterior to the antilingula or at 30% of the length from the posterior border parallel to the occlusal plane. The use of more accurate techniques in localizing the mandibular foramen combined with the antilingula is more recommended than using the antilingula as a sole surgical guide.

Mandibular and dental measurements for sex determination using machine learning.

The present study tested the combination of mandibular and dental dimensions for sex determination using machine learning. Lateral cephalograms and dental casts were used to obtain mandibular and mesio-distal permanent teeth dimensions, respectively. Univariate statistics was used for variables selection for the supervised machine learning model (alpha = 0.05). The following algorithms were trained: logistic regression, gradient boosting classifier, k-nearest neighbors, support vector machine, multilayer perceptron classifier, decision tree, and random forest classifier. A threefold cross-validation approach was adopted to validate each model. The areas under the curve (AUC) were computed, and ROC curves were constructed. Three mandibular-related measurements and eight dental size-related dimensions were used to train the machine learning models using data from 108 individuals. The mandibular ramus height and the lower first molar mesio-distal size exhibited the greatest predictive capability in most of the evaluated models. The accuracy of the models varied from 0.64 to 0.74 in the cross-validation stage, and from 0.58 to 0.79 when testing the data. The logistic regression model exhibited the highest performance (AUC = 0.84). Despite the limitations of this study, the results seem to show that the integration of mandibular and dental dimensions for sex prediction would be a promising approach, emphasizing the potential of machine learning techniques as valuable tools for this purpose.

A cross-sectional study of the anatomy of the jaws of a central-European caucasian population using cone beam computer tomography as a prerequisite for designing pre-formed calcium phosphate cement scaffolds.

PURPOSE: This study aims to measure the cortical and cancellous bone thickness in the upper and lower jaws, serving as a data template for developing pre-defined calcium phosphate cement primary implant forms. These measurements are crucial for creating a biphasic scaffold. METHODS: Forty complete jaws were assessed for cortical bone shape and thickness using statistical analysis and specific software tools. Sex and age were considered, and four groups were created. RESULTS: The cumulative thickness of the cortical layer varied from region to region. In both the upper and lower jaws, the cortical layer in the molar region was significantly thicker than in the frontal region. Within the alveolar process, cortical thickness increases with distance from the alveolar crest on both sides. The oral side of the lower jaw is significantly thicker than the vestibular side. For the upper jaw, no significant differences between the oral and vestibular sides were found in this study. Additionally, it is noteworthy that men have a significantly thicker cortical layer than women. Regarding age, no significant overall differences were found. CONCLUSION: Mathematical analysis of anatomical forms using polynomial functions improves understanding of jaw anatomy. This approach facilitates the design of patient-specific scaffold structures, minimizing the need for costly and time-consuming planning and enabling more efficient implementation of optimal therapy.

Musculoaponeurotic architecture of the human masseter muscle: an in vivo ultrasonographic study of architectural changes during mandibular protrusion and lateral excursions.

OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the in vivo musculoaponeurotic architecture of the superficial head (SH) of the masseter muscle (MM) of asymptomatic participants in excursive mandibular movements compared to the relaxed state as examined with ultrasonography. It was hypothesized that the mean fiber bundle length (FBL) and mean height of the aponeurosis (HA) of the laminae of the SH would differ significantly between the relaxed state and protrusion, ipsilateral excursion, and contralateral excursion. STUDY DESIGN: The MM was studied volumetrically in 12 female and 12 male asymptomatic participants bilaterally by using ultrasound imaging. Mean FBL and HA in protrusion and ipsilateral and contralateral excursion were compared to these values in the relaxed state using paired t tests (P < .05). The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess intraexaminer reliability. RESULTS: The SH exhibited multiple laminae. Fiber bundles were found to attach to bone and the superior and inferior aponeuroses. Mean FBL was significantly shorter and mean HA significantly longer in protrusion and the excursions than in the relaxed state although the pattern of altered laminae and aponeuroses differed among the mandibular movements. Intraexaminer reliability was excellent. CONCLUSION: Specific changes in mean FBL and mean HA suggest differential contraction of the SH of the MM based on laminar morphology. These findings provide a baseline to investigate musculoaponeurotic changes in patients with myogenic masseter muscle pain.