ASSESSMENT OF MIDLINE MANDIBULAR LINGUAL FORAMEN DIAMETER USING CBCT

Background: The midline mandibular lingual foramen (MLF) is an important anatomical structure in the anterior mandible due to its association with vascular structures that may cause significant bleeding during surgical procedures. Variations in its diameter may influence the risk of intraoperative complication. Objective: This study aimed to assess, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), the gender and age-based distribution of midline mandibular lingual foramen diameters classified as ≤1 mm and ˃1 mm. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on CBCT scans of patients obtained from radiological center in Sana´a city. The diameter of the midline lingual foramen of mandible was evaluated and categorized into two groups: ≤1 mm and ˃1 mm. The prevalence of each category was compared between genders and age groups. Results: Midline lingual foramina with diameters ≤1 mm were observed in 52 (29.4%) of males and 125 (70.6%) of females. In contrast, midline lingual foramina with diameters ˃1 mm were identified in 122 (56.2%) of males and 95 (43.8%) of females. So, larger foramina were more prevalent in males, whereas smaller foramina were more common in females. Conclusion: The distribution of midline lingual foramen diameter demonstrates a clear gender-based pattern, with males exhibiting a higher prevalence highlight the importance of careful preoperative CBCT assessment, particularly in male patients whereas the age does not show a significant effect.