Measurement of Thickness at the Inferior Border of the Mandible Using Computed Tomography Images: A Retrospective Study including 300 Japanese Cases

Vascularised fibular free flaps are integral to reconstructive surgery for head and neck tumours. We investigated the morphological characteristics of mandible improve incidence plate-related complications after surgery. Using standard radiological software, thickness measurements inferior or posterior margin were obtained from computed tomography images 300 patients at seven sites: (1) mandibular symphysis, (2) midpoint between symphysis mental foramen, (3) (4) foramen antegonial notch, (5) (6) angular apex (gonion), (7) lateral border dentate cartilage. Relationships age, sex, height, weight, number remaining teeth in mandible, each also investigated. Measurement point 1 had largest median (11.2 mm), measurement 6 smallest (5.4 mm). Females thinner than males all points, with significant differences points 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 (p < 0.001). Age did not correlate thickness; however, height weight correlated except 6. Thickness sites provide a practical reference reconstruction. Choosing fixation method based on measured site allows sound plating.