Morphological Analysis of the Coronoid Process in Adult Human Dry Mandibles

• Published in: Azerbaijan Pharmaceutical and Pharmacotherapy Journal Vol. 23; no. 3; pp. 1 - 4
• Main Authors: Sinha, Vinita, Prasad, Rashmi, Alam, Zeba, Chandan, Chandra Bhushan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Baku Azerbaijan Medical University 01.01.2024
• Subjects: Anthropology; Cross-sectional studies; Females; Males; Maxillofacial surgery; Morphology; Software; Statistical analysis; Surgeons
• ISSN: 1994-1951
• DOI: 10.61336/appj/24-03-09

Background: The coronoid process of the mandible is a slender and triangular prominence that is laterally compressed and exhibits variation in both shape and size. The coronoid process exhibits various morphological variations, including rounded, triangular, and hook-shaped forms. These variations may emerge as a result of functional or genetic changes and are strongly correlated with the method of attachment of the temporalis muscle. The various forms of the coronoid process serve as an evolutionary indicator and are highly valuable in anthropological and forensic research. The coronoid process holds significant clinical importance for maxillofacial surgeons in reconstructive procedures. The coronoid process can be readily obtained as a bone graft. Consequently, we investigate the occurrence of various forms of the coronoid process in the mandible among the population of Bihar and compare it to the results of other studies. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted on 50 fully ossified adult human mandibles (100 sides). The shapes of the coronoid process on both sides of the mandibles were studied and compared to identify any discrepancies between the two sides. GraphPad Prism version 4.03 is a software utilized for conducting statistical analysis of data. Results: The triangular-shaped coronoid process was observed in 63 (63%) cases. Of these, 56 (56%) mandibles had bilateral triangular processes, while seven (7%) had unilateral triangular processes (two on the right side and five on the left). The hook-shaped coronoid process was found in 24 (24%) cases. Of these, 19 (19%) mandibles had bilateral hook processes, while five (5%) had unilateral hook processes (two on the right side and three on the left). The round-shaped coronoid process was the least common, observed in only 13 (13%) cases. Of these, nine (9%) mandibles had bilateral round processes, while four (4%) had unilateral round processes (two on the right side and two on the left). Overall, the triangular-shaped coronoid process was the most common in our study, while the round shape was the least common. Bilateral occurrences of all three shapes were more frequent than unilateral occurrences. Conclusion: Knowing the different shapes of the coronoid process helps dental surgeons in surgeries and denture fabrication. It's also useful for bone grafting, paranasal augmentation, and studies in anthropology and forensic dentistry.