A Morphometric Study of the Retromolar Fossa and the Incidence of the Retromolar Foramen in Dry Human Mandibles.

Introduction: The mandible is the largest and strongest facial bone which plays a crucial role for various surgeries and diagnostic imaging. The retromolar fossa, located behind the third molar socket on each side, was observed for morphometry of anterior, medial, and posterior borders. The present study aimed to assess the retromolar fossa and the presence of retromolar foramen.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 dry mandibles of adult humans of unknown sex; morphometry of retromolar foramen was done using three parameters: anteriorly, laterally, and posteroinferiorly. Dimensions of the retromolar trigone were seen with notable differences between the right and left sides.

Results: Dimensions of the anterior border had a mean of 12.34±1.175 mm on the right side and 12.56±1.46 mm on the left side. The mean of the medial border of the trigone on the right side was 20.23±2.84 mm and on the left side was 21.48±2.57 mm. The lateral border had the mean value of 18.33±3.56 mm and 19.21±3.93 mm on the right and left sides respectively. The P-value of the medial border was found to be statistically significant (P=0.02). Retromolar foramen was observed in 60% of mandibles; six were unilateral and 12 were bilateral. These foramina were closer to the anterior border of the retromolar trigone as compared to the anterior border of the ramus and lingula of the mandibles.

Conclusions: The awareness of these findings is crucial for the prevention of complications, such as neurovascular damage, during surgeries in this region. This knowledge is particularly relevant in addressing oral pathologies and extracting third molars, contributing to improved surgical outcomes and patient safety.