Bifid mandibular canal: confirmation of limited cone beam CT findings by gross anatomical and histological investigations

Objectives: The aims of this study were (1) to assess the validity of limited cone beam CT (CBCT) in detecting the distribution of bifid mandibular canals in the retromolar region by comparing its findings with those of panoramic radiography and spiral CT imaging, and (2) to confirm the contents of such canals depicted on limited CBCT images by using gross anatomical and histological methods. Methods: Bilateral bifid mandibular canals of a Japanese cadaver were investigated. The canals depicted on panoramic radiography, spiral CT and limited CBCT images were compared. Cross-sectional limited CBCT images of these canals were compared with gross anatomical sections of the mandible and their contents were confirmed histologically. Results: The spiral CT and limited CBCT images showed the bilateral bifid mandibular canals in the retromolar region whereas the panoramic radiographs indicated the presence of only the left bifid mandibular canal. The canal distribution was more distinct in the limited CBCT images...