A DETAILED CBCT STUDY OF 'CORONOID FORAMINA' AND ACCESSORY FORAMINA OF THE MANDIBLE: A UNIQUE ANATOMIC VARIATION

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate accessory foramina (AF) located on the medial aspect and to present a unique finding of 'coronoid foramina' (CF) along with AF on the mandible. The cone beam computed tomography images of the mandible in 979 patients were retrospectively evaluated for the presence of CF and AF. AF was found in 39 (3.98%) patients. AF located on the medial surface below and above mandibular foramen was found in 15.38% and 84.62% of patients, respectively. CF was confirmed in 20 (2.04%) patients. Mandibular AF is important for surgical procedures in the posterior region of the mandible and for mandibular nerve anesthesia. This study including CF will be useful for further studies due to the lack of literature on the issue.