Evaluation of foramen mentale localization with three dimensional computed tomography in pediatric population

The purpose of our study is to evaluate the localization of the foramen mentale in the pediatric population using 3D computerized tomography in living persons according to age, sex and location (right / left) to know the limits and size. This descriptive study was performed retrospectively on the images of 99 individuals with a mean age of 9,11 (± 2,70) who underwent cranial computerized tomography for any reason in Afyon Kocatepe University Radiology Department. Statistical analysis of our study was performed using the SPSS-18.0 statistical package program. Averages and standard deviations of the parameters examined were determined. Gender (female / male) and regional (right / left) comparisons of the obtained data were statistically evaluated and the age-related correlation of the parameters was evaluated. The statistical significance of the data was <0.005. The mean of the measurements we made from the foramen mentale to the alveolar crest point (E1) in our study was 12.5 ± 2.7 mm, the average of the measurements made from the lower margin of the foramen mentale to the lower limit of the mandible (E2) 1,8 mean of measurements from the medial margin of the foramen mentale to the point of the symphysis menton (E3) 21.4 ± 1.9 mm, the mean of the measurements made from the lateral margin of the foramen mentale to the point at the posterior border of the ramus (E4). We found 46,4 ± 4,4 mm. There was no significant difference between male-female and left-right comparisons (p> 0,005). There was positive correlation between age and E2, E3, E4 measurements and negative correlation between age and right E1. There was no significant difference between age and E1. When we compare the information obtained in our study with the knowledge of the literature, it is observed that many of the findings are similar but there are differences in some measurements. These differences may be due to the fact that other studies were performed on dry bones and panoramic radiographs, working in different age groups, different measurement methods, and less work on living person CT studies. Foramen mentale has certain age-related changes. Precise localization of the foramen mentale in the pediatric population is of great importance in reducing the complications of anesthesia in surgical applications to be performed in the premolar region.