Morphology and Morphometry of Coronoid Process of Dry Mandible- A Comprehensive Study

BACKGROUND The coronoid process of mandible is thin, triangular projection, gives attachment to two muscles of mastication i.e. Temporalis & Masseter. Coronoid process being membranous bone is used as autogenous bone graft for cranio-maxillo-facial surgeries & has medicolegal importance. The study was done to determine the shape & size of coronoid process of mandible in both male & female, compared with previous studies. METHODS The study was conducted on 110 dry human mandibles in the Department of Anatomy, Subharti Medical College, Delhi-Haridwar Bypass Road, Meerut (U.P.). The measurement was done with the help of vernier callipers & the values were analysed to determine the shape and size of coronoid process of mandible in both male and female and was compared with the previous studies. It is useful for cranio-maxillo-facial surgeons, in correction of Alveolar defects, in the study of anthropology & medicolegal issues. RESULTS Results showed that 60% of population was with triangular process followed by 29% of hook shape & least being round shape i.e. 11%. Gender-wise calculation of length, breadth with standard deviation was calculated and compared. CONCLUSIONS The detailed knowledge of variation in shape of coronoid process is important to anatomists, forensic experts, maxillo-facial surgeons & to anthropologists. In the present study the triangular shape coronoid process is predominant in both male & female. It is used as graft for reconstruction of bony defect & in non-united fractures of mandible and also has medicolegal significance