Vertical Relation of Marginal Mandibular Nerve Rami with the Lower Border of Mandible as Seen in Cadavers – An Anatomical Study

Introduction: Marginal mandibular nerve is an impo-rtant motor branch of facial nerve supplying the mus-cles of lower lip and chin. It is reportedly the most commonly injured branch of facial nerve during surgi-cal and cosmetic procedures. Objective: The present study was designed to evalu-ate various positions (highest and lowest) of marginal mandibular nerve in relation to the level of lower bor-der of mandible. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place of Study: King Edward Medical University in Lahore. Method: Dissection of one hundred (100) hemi-faces of adult unclaimed cadavers of both genders was done in Forensic and Anatomy departments of King Edward Medical University, Lahore from September 2009 to March 2010.Cadavers with any scar or mutilated face / neck were excluded from this study. Results: In 100 hemi faces,the total number of rami of marginal mandibular nerve at the site of exit from parotid gland was 132. 90.9% of which were present above the lower border of mandible. Marginal mandi-bular nerve coursed between 14.75 mm above to 4.55 mm below the level of lower border of mandible. Conclusion: In the light of this study it is safe to say that in our population marginal mandibular nerve gen-erally lies above or very close to the level of lower of mandible even when it is below the mandible; there-fore it is safe to place the incision 1 cm below the mandible to safe guard this small and aesthetically and functionally important nerve.