Anatomic and spiral computed tomographic study of the genial tubercles for genioglossus advancement.

Abstract

To measure and compare Chinese mandibular genial tubercles measured anatomically and with computed tomography (CT). Spiral CT scans were taken of 40 adult human skulls; the superior genial spines were measured using anatomic and CT methods. The height and width of the superior genial spines, mandible thickness, and distance from the menton to the inferior and superior margins of the superior genial spines were 5.82 +/- 0.71, 6.98 +/- 1.35, 11.95 +/- 1.59, 11.08 +/- 2.05, and 16.91 +/- 2.30 mm from anatomic measurements and 6.17 +/- 0.71, 7.01 +/- 1.13, 12.19 +/- 1.64, 10.41 +/- 1.55, and 15.73 +/- 2.12 mm using spiral CT, respectively. The anatomic and CT measurements were correlated. Spiral CT of the genial tubercles can help locate the osteotomy in genioglossus advancement. This study acquired reference data on Chinese genial tubercles demonstrating that CT measurements of the genial tubercles reflect their anatomy, which should allow accurately locate the osteotomy.