Duplication of mental nerve in a patient with cleft lip-palate and rubella syndrome.

A case of duplication of the mental nerve in a patient with cleft lip, cleft palate, and rubella syndrome is presented. The most vulnerable period of fetal infection by rubella virus corresponds with the critical period of development of the maxilla, mandible, and corresponding orofacial structures. The significance of duplication of the mental nerve is discussed in relation to the influence that this anatomic structure has on the growth and development of the mandible. The concept of activisms to explain such anomalies is reviewed.