The surgical anatomy of the inferior alveolar nerve: a meta-analysis with clinical implications

Abstract

Background: The main goal of the present meta-analysis was to provide physicians, especially surgeons, with crucial data on the complete anatomy of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). It is hoped that our results may help reduce the rates of complications in procedures associated with this anatomical entity.

Materials and methods: Major online medical databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were searched to gather all studies on IAN anatomy, including topography, morphology, and variations.

Results: IAN mean thickness of the IAN in the mandibular angle area was set to 2.32 mm (LL: 1.82 ; HL: 2.78­). IAN mean thickness of the IAN in the mandibular body region was found to be 2.49 mm (LL: 2.02 ; HL: 2.98). The mean thickness of the IAN in the mental region was established at 1.70 mm (LL: 1.54 ; HL: 1.86). The mean distance from the IAN to the external (buccal) surface of the 1^st molar was set to be 4.99 mm (LL: 3.84 ; HL: 6.13).

Conclusions: In conclusion, this is the most up-to-date and thorough analysis of the complete anatomy of the IAN. We provided morphometric data that present the spatial relationship of the IAN with numerous anatomical landmarks in the mandibular region. These include the ramus of the mandible, the first, second, and third molars, and the body of the mandible, among others. It is hoped that the results of the present meta-analysis may be a helpful tool for physicians, especially surgeons, performing various oral and maxillofacial procedures, such as third molar removal or IAN block anesthesia.