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Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy
Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy 1/2016

Open Access 01-01-2016 | Review

Visualization techniques of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN): a narrative review

Authors: Annelies Weckx, Jimoh Olubanwo Agbaje, Yi Sun, Reinhilde Jacobs, Constantinus Politis

Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to produce an overview of the present visualization techniques of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in order to reduce the rates of nerve damage after third molar (M3) removal and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO).

Methods

An electronic literature search was performed of the English-language scientific literature published prior to December 31, 2014 using the LIMO KU Leuven search platform. Information on the specifications of the different imaging techniques, their clinical application, advantages, disadvantages, and duration was extracted from 11 reports.

Results

Five methods for IAN visualization were obtained from the search results, which are cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and automatic extraction of the IAN canal using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), panoramic radiography, endoscopy, and ultrasonographic visualization.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that high-resolution MRI is the most commonly used method for direct visualization of the IAN. Six out of the eleven manuscripts use this technique. Recently, there have been some (experimental) modifications to the conventional MRI in the form of diffusion tensor tractography (DTT), phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography (PC-MRA), and dental MRI. Future studies will focus on an intraoperative application of MRI to visualize the IAN during surgery.
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Metadata
Title
Visualization techniques of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN): a narrative review
Authors
Annelies Weckx
Jimoh Olubanwo Agbaje
Yi Sun
Reinhilde Jacobs
Constantinus Politis
Publication date
01-01-2016
Publisher
Springer Paris
Published in
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy / Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 0930-1038
Electronic ISSN: 1279-8517
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-015-1510-z

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