Abstract: Background: The mandibular foramen (MF) is a key anatomical landmark on the medial surface of the mandibular ramus, transmitting the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle. Its precise localization is essential for procedures such as inferior alveolar nerve block, mandibular osteotomies and implant surgery. However, the MF demonstrates considerable morphometric variability across populations, influencing clinical success and risk of complications.Aim:To determine the morphometric characteristics of the mandibular foramen in dry human mandibles and to analyze its relationship with various anatomical landmarks, with a focus on its clinical implications for dental and maxillofacial procedures.

Material and Methods: A total of 60 dry human mandibles of unknown sex and age were examined, providing 120 sides for analysis. Only intact mandibles with preserved third molar sockets and undamaged rami were included. The shape of the MF was visually assessed and categorized as rounded or oval. Its size was measured using a sliding vernier caliper (0.1 mm accuracy), documenting antero-posterior and latero-lateral diameters. Distances from the midpoint of the MF to six anatomical landmarks—mandibular notch, base of mandible, anterior border, posterior border, retromolar trigone and third molar—were recorded bilaterally. Statistical analysis included frequency distribution, paired t-tests for side comparison, chi-square test for shape variation, and multiple regression analysis to evaluate predictors of MF size.

Results: The MF was predominantly oval (63.3%) with no side differences (p = 1.000). The mean antero-posterior diameter measured 2.63 ± 0.45 mm (right) and 2.53 ± 0.49 mm (left), while latero-lateral diameter measured 2.44 ± 0.49 mm (right) and 2.35 ± 0.53 mm (left), both showing significant side variations (p < 0.001). Significant differences were noted only in distances from the mandibular notch and third molar (p = 0.007 and p = 0.045, respectively). Multiple regression analysis revealed no significant predictors of MF diameter (R² = 0.079; p = 0.610).

Conclusion: The mandibular foramen demonstrates predominantly oval morphology, minor dimensional asymmetry and largely symmetrical positional relationships. Its size cannot be reliably predicted from adjacent anatomical landmarks, underscoring the need for individualized anatomical assessment to improve precision in nerve blocks and surgical interventions.

Abstract: Background: The mandibular foramen (MF) is a key anatomical landmark on the medial surface of the mandibular ramus, transmitting the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle. Its precise localization is essential for procedures such as inferior alveolar nerve block, mandibular osteotomies and implant surgery. However, the MF demonstrates considerable morphometric variability across populations, influencing clinical success and risk of complications.Aim:To determine the morphometric characteristics of the mandibular foramen in dry human mandibles and to analyze its relationship with various anatomical landmarks, with a focus on its clinical implications for dental and maxillofacial procedures.

Material and Methods: A total of 60 dry human mandibles of unknown sex and age were examined, providing 120 sides for analysis. Only intact mandibles with preserved third molar sockets and undamaged rami were included. The shape of the MF was visually assessed and categorized as rounded or oval. Its size was measured using a sliding vernier caliper (0.1 mm accuracy), documenting antero-posterior and latero-lateral diameters. Distances from the midpoint of the MF to six anatomical landmarks—mandibular notch, base of mandible, anterior border, posterior border, retromolar trigone and third molar—were recorded bilaterally. Statistical analysis included frequency distribution, paired t-tests for side comparison, chi-square test for shape variation, and multiple regression analysis to evaluate predictors of MF size.

Results: The MF was predominantly oval (63.3%) with no side differences (p = 1.000). The mean antero-posterior diameter measured 2.63 ± 0.45 mm (right) and 2.53 ± 0.49 mm (left), while latero-lateral diameter measured 2.44 ± 0.49 mm (right) and 2.35 ± 0.53 mm (left), both showing significant side variations (p < 0.001). Significant differences were noted only in distances from the mandibular notch and third molar (p = 0.007 and p = 0.045, respectively). Multiple regression analysis revealed no significant predictors of MF diameter (R² = 0.079; p = 0.610).

Conclusion: The mandibular foramen demonstrates predominantly oval morphology, minor dimensional asymmetry and largely symmetrical positional relationships. Its size cannot be reliably predicted from adjacent anatomical landmarks, underscoring the need for individualized anatomical assessment to improve precision in nerve blocks and surgical interventions.