OBJECTIVES: To assess histologically the true content of the superior genial spinal foramen and to match these findings to the microanatomical canal content observed using high-resolution magnetic resonance images of the same region. METHODS: Ten human mandibular specimens were imaged using a 9.4 Tesla MRI unit. Afterwards, eight specimens were decalcified, embedded in paraffin and serially sectioned (7 microm) for histological examination; the remaining two were embedded in methylmethacrylate and sectioned (50-60 microm). All sections were examined using routine light microscopy to inspect the superior genial spinal foramen region and its content. RESULTS: Histological observations of the superior genial spinal foramen confirmed the presence of a well-defined neurovascular bundle, with branches of the lingual nerve and lingual artery. The canal had an average diameter exceeding 1 mm and could thus be considered significant. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms the existence of a true superior genial spinal foramen's bony canal with neural and blood vessel content. These findings imply that surgical procedures should consider a proper preoperative assessment of the neurovascular trajectory of the superior genial spinal foramen.
OBJECTIVES: To assess histologically the true content of the superior genial spinal foramen and to match these findings to the microanatomical canal content observed using high-resolution magnetic resonance images of the same region. METHODS: Ten human mandibular specimens were imaged using a 9.4 Tesla MRI unit. Afterwards, eight specimens were decalcified, embedded in paraffin and serially sectioned (7 microm) for histological examination; the remaining two were embedded in methylmethacrylate and sectioned (50-60 microm). All sections were examined using routine light microscopy to inspect the superior genial spinal foramen region and its content. RESULTS: Histological observations of the superior genial spinal foramen confirmed the presence of a well-defined neurovascular bundle, with branches of the lingual nerve and lingual artery. The canal had an average diameter exceeding 1 mm and could thus be considered significant. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms the existence of a true superior genial spinal foramen's bony canal with neural and blood vessel content. These findings imply that surgical procedures should consider a proper preoperative assessment of the neurovascular trajectory of the superior genial spinal foramen.
Authors: Bassant Mowafey; Elke Van de Casteele; Jilan M Youssef; Ahmed R Zaher; Hany Omar; Constantinus Politis; Reinhilde Jacobs Journal: J Forensic Odontostomatol Date: 2015-12-01
Authors: F Birkenfeld; M Becker; M Sasse; V Gassling; R Lucius; J Wiltfang; M Kern Journal: Dentomaxillofac Radiol Date: 2014-11-20 Impact factor: 2.419