Abstract
BACKGROUND: Bifid mandibular canal (BMC) is a normal anatomical variation and has been less studied in the Indian population. This study was aimed at estimating the prevalence of BMC amongst Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample comprised of 5800 digital orthopantomograms (OPGs) which were from four zones of India, i.e. North India, South India, East India, and West India (1700 OPGs from each zone). Any pathological or normal digital OPGs having age between 15 and 80 years in the format of jepg or jpg image were included, while OPGs of operated case of hemimandibulectomy and blurred in which mandibular canal was not traceable were excluded from this study. Each radiograph was assessed for BMC based on the classification given by RP Langlais. Four examiners (two Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons and two Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists) individually assessed every OPG for the presence of BMC. BMC was considered present, if all the examiners detected it independently. RESULTS: There were 5800 OPGs examined, out of which 2576 were of women and 3224 were of men. Bifid mandibular canals were observed in 135 (2.3%) out of 5800 digital panoramic images. There was no statistically significant correlation found with regard to age. Bifid mandibular canals were found with a female-to-male ratio of 1:1.2. The most frequently encountered type of BMC was type II (1.34%) followed by type I (0.72%), type IV (0.15%), and type III (0.1%).