Radiographic Predictors of the Mandibular Lateral Lingual Canal
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- This is an observational study: the protocol does not assign a study treatment.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Mandibular Canal Visibility, MANDIBLE, CBCT Segmentation. Basic parameters: 18 years — 75 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
Mandibular Canal Dimensions and Sublingual Fossa Morphology as Predictors of the Mandibular Lateral Lingual Canal
Overview
The purpose of this retrospective observational study is to investigate whether mandibular canal dimensions and sublingual fossa morphology can serve as radiographic predictors of the mandibular lateral lingual canal (MLLC) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images of adults with unilateral MLLC will be retrospectively evaluated. Mandibular canal diameter, mental foramen diameter, and sublingual fossa depth will be compared between the side with the MLLC and the contralateral side. In addition, the location, diameter, and course of the MLLC will be analyzed to identify radiographic features associated with its presence and to improve preoperative assessment for mandibular surgical procedures.
Primary outcome measures
- Mandibular Canal Diameter [Time frame: Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment)]
Secondary outcome measures (4)
- Mental Foramen Diameter [Time frame: Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment)]
- Sublingual Fossa Depth [Time frame: Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment)]
- Mandibular Lateral Lingual Canal Diameter [Time frame: Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment)]
- Mandibular Lateral Lingual Canal Location [Time frame: Baseline (retrospective CBCT assessment)]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Individuals aged 18 to 75 years.
- Availability of previously acquired cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images obtained for diagnostic purposes.
- Presence of a unilateral mandibular lateral lingual canal (MLLC) on CBCT images.
- CBCT images of sufficient diagnostic quality to evaluate the location, diameter, and course of the MLLC.
- Both mandibular sides included in the same CBCT examination, allowing comparison between the side with the MLLC and the contralateral side.
- Absence of significant motion artifacts, metal artifacts, or reconstruction errors in the regions to be measured.
Exclusion criteria
- CBCT images of insufficient quality for morphometric measurement or anatomical assessment.
- Inability to clearly identify the mandibular canal, mental foramen, MLLC, or sublingual fossa boundaries.
- Presence of bilateral mandibular lateral lingual canals.
- History of surgery, trauma, fracture, resection, bone grafting, or implant placement in the mandibular region under evaluation.
- Motion or metal artifacts that prevent reliable visualization or measurement of the anatomical structures.
- History of systemic disease or syndrome affecting craniofacial or mandibular development.
- Presence of cystic or tumoral lesions, exostoses, or other pathological changes affecting the region of interest.
- History of orthodontic treatment affecting the region evaluated.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07752914 · 2026/331