Appearance of normal MRI anatomy of the lingual nerve using steady-state free precession sequences at 3-T

D. Mazza, M.Di Girolamo, F. Cecchetti, L. Baggi

Article ID: 5688
Vol 34, Issue 3S1, 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54517/jbrha5688
Received: 9 July 2020; Accepted: 9 July 2020; Available online: 9 July 2020; Issue release: 9 July 2020

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the value of SSFP MRI sequence in depicting the normal anatomy of the lingual nerve (LN), particularly in the molar region, in order to help the periodontists, dentists and oral surgeons in their daily practice. The study group included 24 patients who were to undergo MR study for a reason unrelated to our purpose. All imaging was performed by using a 3.0T system with a head and neck multiarray coil. The evaluation criteria included image quality factors such as the identification of the LN, its demarcation and its contrast to surrounding tissues on a five-point scale. The LN is clearly visible throughout its course from its origin from the mandibular nerve (MN) to the mylohyoid muscle. In edentulous patients, the LN could be damaged during surgical procedures especially it during the dissection and retraction of a lingual flap and, above all, during the suture due to a direct trauma caused by the needle or indirectly during tying the knot.


Keywords

magnetic resonance imaging; oral surgery;steady-state free precession MRI;lingual nerve;head and neck neoplasm;oral surgery


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