Topographic analysis of mandibular ramus zone and anesthetic technique optimizing device

Abstract

This is a study on the topographic relationship between the final extremity of the lingula of the mandible and the anterior and posterior borders of the ramus of the mandible. This work proposes the creation of a device which directs the positioning of the syringe cartridge + needle assembly, optimizing the execution of the anesthetic technique for blocking the inferior alveolar nerve. Thirty macerated adult mandibles were used, in which two measurements were obtained with the aid of a digital caliper: 1- distance between the anterior border of the mandibular ramus and the final extremity of the lingula; 2- distance between the final extremity of the lingula and the posterior border of the mandibular ramus. Photographs of the mandibles were analyzed on a computer, calculating the angle formed between three points: (1) the anterior border of the mandibular ramus – A point; (2) the anterior point between the inferior premolars of the opposite antimere – P point and (3) the final extremity of the lingula – L point. For the right antimere, 33.33% of the angles found were within the range of 6°-7°, and 23.33% between 9°-10°. As for the left, 30.00% were in the range between 5°-6°, and 23.33% between 7°-8°. It can be concluded that in more than 50% of the analyses, the formed angle varies predominantly between 5° and 10°, therefore, the proposed device will be able to minimize the chances of technical errors and optimize the success for the inferior alveolar nerve block.