Frequency and characterization of the infratemporal spine in a sample of Chilean human skulls / Frecuencia y caracterización de la espina infratemporal en una muestra de cráneos humanos chilenos

The infratemporal spine, or sphenoidal tubercle, is a bony structure described in both classical anatomical literature and contemporary literature. However, the available literature does not mention the specific anatomical characteristics or the distribution of this bony element in the population. The aim of this study was to define this structure, identify its presence, and identify its morphology in a sample of Chilean human skulls. Fifty-seven dry skulls, obtained from the morphology unit at Universidad de los Andes, were used. The great wings of the sphenoid bone on both sides of the skull were evaluated in search of the infratemporal spine. These spines were classified according to their morphological characteristics of either laminar, pyramidal, or truncated pyramidal, as they related to the infratemporal crest and as they related to the pterygoid process. The presence of the infratemporal spine was found in 100 % of the studied skulls, unilaterally or bilaterally. The most common morphology was found to be laminar (40 %), followed by pyramidal (35 %), and, finally, truncated pyramidal (24 %). The majority (73 %) of these infratemporal spines was closely associated with the pterigoyd process with a complete or partial relation, with fewer (34 %) being associated with the infratemporal crest.

La espina infratemporal o tubérculo esfenoidal es un reparo óseo mencionado tanto en la literatura anatómica clásica como en los artículos más actuales. Las publicaciones disponibles no mencionan las características anatómicas ni la distribución en la población de este elemento óseo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue definir, identificar la presencia y describir la morfología de la espina infratemporal en una muestra de población chilena. Se utilizaron 57 cráneos secos de la unidad de anatomía de la Universidad de los Andes. Se evaluaron las alas mayores del hueso esfenoides tanto derechas como izquierdas en búsqueda de la espina infratemporal. Se clasificaron según sus características morfológicas, siendo piramidal, piramidal truncada o laminar, según su relación con la cresta infratemporal y según su relación con el proceso pterigoideo. Se encontró la presencia de la espina infratemporal en un 100 % de los cráneos estudiados, ya sea de manera uni o bilateral. La morfología más común correspondió a laminar con un 40 %, seguido de piramidal con un 35 % y finalmente un 24 % de morfología piramidal truncada. Se relacionaron más bien con el proceso pterigoideo ya sea de manera completa o media (73 %) y en menor medida con la cresta infratemporal (34 %).

Characterization of mandibular molar root and canal morphology using cone beam computed tomography and its variability in Belgian and Chilean population samples.

PURPOSE: This study used cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to characterize mandibular molar root and canal morphology and its variability in Belgian and Chilean population samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the CBCT images of 515 mandibular molars (257 from Belgium and 258 from Chile). Molars meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed to determine (1) the number of roots; (2) the root canal configuration; (3) the presence of a curved canal in the cross-sectional image of the distal root in the mandibular first molar and (4) the presence of a C-shaped canal in the second mandibular molar. A descriptive analysis was performed. The association between national origin and the presence of a curved or C-shaped canal was evaluated using the chi-squared test. RESULTS: The most common configurations in the mesial root of both molars were type V and type III. In the distal root, type I canal configuration was the most common. Curvature in the cross-sectional image was found in 25% of the distal canals of the mandibular first molars in the Belgian population, compared to 11% in the Chilean population. The prevalence of C-shaped canals was 10% or less in both populations. CONCLUSION: In cases of unclear or complex root and canal morphology in the mandibular molars, CBCT imaging might assist endodontic specialists in making an accurate diagnosis and in treatment planning.