Examination of coronoid foramen and coronoid canal with CBCT

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the coronoid foramen using CBCT not only according to its localization, distribution to gender and age but also to determine whether there are canals associated with the coronoid foramen and to identify them and their clinical significance. Methods: 488 images obtained between 2022 and 2023 were retrospectively evaluated in sagittal, horizontal, and coronal sections. During the evaluation of the images, the number and localization of the coronoid foramen and the coronoid canals originating from this foramen were recorded and examined. In addition, the patient images were divided into different age groups and the presence of coronoid foramen was analyzed. Results: Coronoid foramen was detected in 5.1 % and coronoid canal in 1.6 % of the images. Unilateral coronoid foramen was found in 1.4 % and bilateral coronoid foramen was found in 3.7 % of the patients. Unilateral coronoid canal was found in 1.0 % and bilateral coronoid canal in 0.6 % of the patients. When the presence of coronoid foramen was analyzed according to age groups, no significant difference was found between age groups. Conclusion: Recognition of the coronoid foramen and coronoid canal will not only reduce the likelihood of complications in surgical procedures but also influence the treatment plan. Further research is needed to recognize the content of this variations.

Keywords

• Anatomical variation
• Coronoid process
• Coronoid canal
• Coronoid foramen
• Mandible