Morphometric, radiological and histological characterization of the superior genial foramen and its bony canal: part 1: morphometric analysis of the superior genial spinal foramen

Abstract

Aims: To determine the incidence, size, location, course and content of the superior genial spinal foramen and bony canal. Methods: 355 dry mandibles were morphometrically analysed by measuring the height of the foramen from the mandibular base and the size of the foramen at the entrance of the bony canal and its relation to the mandibular incisive canal were investigated by injecting contrast medium (Omnipaque) in the superior genial spinal foramen and in the incisive canal at the mental foramen and by inserting a metal wire into the bony canal. HR-MRI (9.4T) was performed on selected formalin-fixed anatomical specimens. Results: A distinct foramen was present at or just superior to the superior genial spines in 347 of 355 dry specimens studied (97.7%). Its general form was round or flattened funnel-shaped depending on its location above or at the superior genial spines. A bifid canal was present in 11 mandibles (3.1%). The foramen was located on average 10.56 mm (SD ±1.59 mm) above the inferior mandibular border, ranging from 6–15.4 mm. The average size of the foramen, measured at the entrance of the bony canal, was 0.56 mm (SD ±0.18 mm) for the short axis (range 0.14–1.09 mm) and 0.69 mm (SD ±0.23 mm) for the long axis (range 0.17–1.53 mm). Conclusions: The superior genial spinal foramen is present in most of the mandibles (97.7%), located on average 10.56 mm from the mandibular base at the symphysis, measuring on average 0.56 mm×0.69 mm in diameter.