A case of inferior alveolar nerve encircling the arteria maxillaris

Abstract

Here we report a case of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), which had variability in its formation. IAN was formed by dual roots, which were branching out from the posterior division of mandibular nerve. The observed roots were forming a loop around the pterygoid part of arteria maxillaris (MA). One of the roots was superficial to the MA and the other was deep to it. It is believed that this type of morphological variation in the formation of IAN can have clinial implications, which include compression by adjacent structures and nerve entrapment. The knowledge of this variation is important to anaesthesiologists and dentists, while administering local anaesthesia. This is also enlightening to the maxillofacial surgeons, neurologists and radiologists.