THE COURSE OF THE MANDIBULAR BRANCH OF TH E FACIAL-NERVE

In many operations involving the submandibular and lower cheek region, the mandibular branch of the facial nerve is in danger. Methods: On t he basis of 55 facial dissections, we classified the course of the ner ve into one of three types. Results: In about 66% of cases, the nerve runs below the angle and below the inferior border of the mandible. Ty pically, the mandibular branch consists-of up to four major branches. The maximum distance between the lowest point of the mandibular branch and the inferior border of the mandible was 1.4 cm. We also studied t he location of the nerve in relation to the facial vessels and the pos terior facial vein. Conclusions: Incisions in the submandibular region should be performed at least 2 cm below the inferior border of the ma ndible. The nerve can be spared by ligature and by retracting the ante rior facial vein.