Morphologic and morphometric analysis of mandibular lingula

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the morphology and location of mandibular lingula in relation to the surrounding structures in adult mandibles to provide data that can be used during oral and maxillofacial procedures. Methods: This study was performed on 50 dry adult mandibles of Turkish population. The shape of the lingula was examined bilaterally and classified into four types. Osteometric measurements were performed on both sides using a digital caliper. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the differences between right and left side measurements. Results: The most frequently encountered shape of lingula was triangular type (42%). The assimilated type was not observed among the mandibles studied. The mean distance between the lingula and the anterior border of the ramus of the mandible and between the lingula and the posterior border of the ramus of the mandible was measured as 16.86±2.73 mm and 14.7±1.6 mm, respectively. The mean height of the lingula was measured as 11.92±2.03 mm. No statistically significant differences were observed between the right and left side measurements for any parameters. Conclusion: The findings of present study may be used for various oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures and help surgeons in avoiding inferior alveolar nerve injury during mandibular osteotomies.