ĐẶC ĐIỂM GIẢI PHẪU LỖ CẰM Ở NGƯỜI VIỆT NAM TRƯỞNG THÀNH

Abstract

Introduction: The mental foramen is the exit point of the mental nerve, a terminal branch of the V3 nerve, responsible for the sensory innervation of the entire chin and lower lip area. The mental foramen is an important anatomical landmark in surgeries and procedures in this area, such as transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy surgery vestibular approach. Understanding the anatomical features of the mental foramen such as location, shape, and size can help limit complications of damage to the mental nerve when performing procedures related to the mental area. Subjects and Methods: 20 mental foramens on 10 fresh Vietnamese adult cadavers were dissected at the Anatomy - Embryology Department, The Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sicience, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh city. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Results: In the study group, the male proportion was 70%, primarily within the age range of 65-75 years (40%). The symmetrical shape of the mental foramen was observed in 100%, with the predominant shape being round (80%). The average size of the mental foramen on the right side was 2.94 mm and on the left side was 2.97 mm (p = 0.279). The distance of the mental foramen from the midline was 29.1 mm on the right and 29.7 mm on the left (p = 0.879). The distance from the mental foramen to the inferior border of the mandible was 14.6 mm on the right and 15.0 mm on the left (p = 0.095). Conclusion: The study provides detailed information on the size and location of the mental foramen, aiding surgeons in more accurately planning surgical interventions and thus minimizing the risk of mental nerve damage during related procedures.