PURPOSE: To evaluate the MR appearance of the mandibular canal and its contents. METHODS: Cadaveric mandibles were imaged at 1.5 T and 3 T, then sectioned with a cryomicrotome. The size, shape, signal intensity, and pattern of structures in the mandibular canal were identified on MR images by comparing them with corresponding anatomic sections. RESULTS: The inferior alveolar nerve and connective tissue were identified on the 1.5-T and 3-T images in the mandibular canal. Within the nerve the axon bundles were distinguished from the nerve sheath on the 3-T images. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that MR images can show excellent anatomic detail in the mandibular canal.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the MR appearance of the mandibular canal and its contents. METHODS: Cadaveric mandibles were imaged at 1.5 T and 3 T, then sectioned with a cryomicrotome. The size, shape, signal intensity, and pattern of structures in the mandibular canal were identified on MR images by comparing them with corresponding anatomic sections. RESULTS: The inferior alveolar nerve and connective tissue were identified on the 1.5-T and 3-T images in the mandibular canal. Within the nerve the axon bundles were distinguished from the nerve sheath on the 3-T images. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that MR images can show excellent anatomic detail in the mandibular canal.
Authors: B Kress; S Nissen; A Gottschalk; L Anders; C Wentzler; T Solbach; F Palm; W Bähren; K Sartor Journal: Eur Radiol Date: 2003-02-11 Impact factor: 5.315