MULTIPLANAR MR AND ANATOMIC STUDY OF THE MANDIBULAR CANAL

PURPOSE: To evaluate the MR appearance of the mandibular canal and its contents, METHODS: Cadaveric mandibles were imaged at 1.5 T and 3 T, then sectioned with a cryomicrotome. The size, shape, signal intensity , and pattern of structures in the mandibular canal were identified on MR images by comparing them with corresponding anatomic sections. RES ULTS: The inferior alveolar nerve and connective tissue were identifie d on the 1.5 T and 3-T images in the mandibular canal. Within the nerv e the axon bundles were distinguished from the nerve sheath on the 3-7 images. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that MR images can show excel lent anatomic detail in the mandibular canal.