MYLOHYOID BRIDGE IN HUMAN MANDIBLES: MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Authors

  • Gilman Gabriel Gomes Mendes Júnior Medical Student, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6268-999X
  • Kauã Meneses Corrêa Medical Student, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5103-1893
  • Arthur Yoja Santos Souza Medical Student, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2181-0889
  • Leonardo Farias Gomes Medical Student, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4590-7572
  • José Levi Conserva Menezes Medical Student, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5641-6358
  • Paulo Matheus Santos de Oliveira Medical Student, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5377-8890
  • Felipe Matheus Sant’Anna Aragão Cardiology Resident at the Heart Institute of the Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo (INCOR), São Paulo, SP, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9211-7000
  • Iapunira Catarina Sant’Anna Aragão Postgraduate student in Endocrinology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (MED PUCRio), affiliated with the Luiz Capriglione State Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (IEDE), and Emergency Physician at the Munir Rafful Municipal Hospital (MHMR), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5298-537X
  • Rudvan Cicotti PhD student in the Postgraduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2182-1142
  • Deise Maria Furtado de Mendonça Associate Professor of Anatomy, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6772-0266
  • Francisco Prado Reis Titular Professor of the Medical School, Tiradentes University (UNIT), Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7776-1831
  • José Aderval Aragão Titular Professor of Clinical Anatomy, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2300-3330

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-8169.2026v8n4p1144-1157

Keywords:

Anatomic Variation; Bony Canal; Mylohyoid Neurovascular Bundle; Inferior Alveolar Nerve; Oral Surgery; Implantology.

Abstract

Background: The mylohyoid bridge (MHB) is a hyperostotic anatomical variation resulting from ossification along the mylohyoid groove, potentially forming a bony canal that transmits the mylohyoid neurovascular bundle. Although historically considered an anthropological trait, its clinical relevance has increased due to possible implications in anesthesia and oral surgery.

Objective: To determine the frequency and classify the morphological types of MHB in dry human mandibles, and to correlate the findings with existing literature and clinical implications.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive observational study was conducted on 64 mandibular rami from 32 dry human mandibles. Specimens were examined macroscopically for the presence of MHB. Identified bridges were classified as complete or incomplete according to Hauser and De Stefano (1989), and incomplete forms were further categorized as proximal, intermediate, or distal. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: MHB was identified in 6 out of 64 mandibular rami (9.4%). The distribution was symmetrical between sides. Bilateral occurrence was observed in 2 mandibles (6.3%), and unilateral occurrence in 2 mandibles (6.3%). Among bilateral cases, one presented complete bridges and the other incomplete bridges. All unilateral cases were incomplete, including one proximal and one distal type. No intermediate forms were identified. Incomplete forms predominated overall.

Conclusion: The frequency of MHB observed is consistent with intermediate values reported in the literature, reinforcing its variability among populations. Despite its relatively low prevalence, the MHB has relevant clinical implications, particularly in anesthetic procedures and oral surgery, and should be considered during anatomical and preoperative evaluations.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Iapunira Catarina Sant’Anna Aragão, Postgraduate student in Endocrinology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (MED PUCRio), affiliated with the Luiz Capriglione State Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (IEDE), and Emergency Physician at the Munir Rafful Municipal Hospital (MHMR), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Postgraduate student in Endocrinology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (MED PUCRio), affiliated with the Luiz Capriglione State Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (IEDE), and Emergency Physician at the Munir Rafful Municipal Hospital (MHMR), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

José Aderval Aragão, Titular Professor of Clinical Anatomy, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil.

Titular Professor of Clinical Anatomy, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil.

References

Arifoğlu AR, Parlak M, Özdemir F, Maral F, Zeren E, Verimli U. Unilateral Large Mylohyoid Bridging the Dry Human Mandible. Bezmialem Science. 2024;12(3):382-3. doi: 0.14235/bas.galenos.2023.30074.

Covantev S, Belic O. Rare osseous bridging of the mandible and its clinical significance. Int Med. 2020;2(3):197-198.

Dave UH, Gupta S, Astik RB. Study of pattern of distribution of mylohyoid bridging and their clinical implications. Int J Anat Res. 2019;7(3.1):6744-6747. doi: 10.16965/ijar.2019.215.

Dodo Y. Non-Metrical Cranial Traits in the Hokkaido Ainu and the Northern Japanese of Recent Times. J Anthropol Soc Nippon. 1974;82(1):31–51.

Eroğlu S. Mylohyoid bridging in Anatolian populations. Eurasian J. Anthropol. 2011 Jan;2(1):15−26.

Furuta Y. Morphological studies on the mandible of Indians: the incisura foraminis mandibulae and canalis mylohyoideus. Okajimas Folia Anat Jpn. 1982 Mar;58(4-6):1073-102. doi: 10.2535/ofaj1936.58.4-6_1073.

Hosapatna M, Ankolekar VH, D'Souza AS, Deepika C, D'Souza A. The study of antilingula and its relation to the lingula and mandibular foramen, the presence of mylohyoid bridging in dry mandibles of South Indian population. J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2015 Jun;14(2):308-11. doi: 10.1007/s12663-014-0663-3.

Jidoi K, Nara T, Dodo Y. Bony bridging of the mylohyoid groove of the human mandible. Anthropol Sci. 2000 Oct;108(4):345–370.

Kaul SS, Pathak RK. The mylohyoid bridge in four population samples from India, with observations on its suitability as a genetic marker. Am J Phys Anthropol. 1984 Oct;65(2):213-8. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.1330650214.

Lundy JK. The mylohyoid bridge in the Khoisan of Southern Africa and its unsuitability as a mongoloid genetic marker. Am J Phys Anthropol. 1980 Jul;53(1):43-8. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.1330530108.

Madhok S, Kiruthika S, Prabhu K, Abraham S, Kabilan P, Nithyapriya S. Mylohyoid Ridge as a Predictor of Available Bone for Implant Placement: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Retrospective Observational Study. Cureus. 2022 Jul 29;14(7):e27470. doi: 10.7759/cureus.27470.

Narayana K, Narayan P, Ashwin K, Prabhu LV. Incidence, types and clinical implications of a non-metrical variant--mylohyoid bridging in human mandibles. Folia Morphol (Warsz). 2007 Feb;66(1):20-4.

Nikolova SY, Toneva DH, Yordanov YA, Lazarov NE. Morphometric study of the mylohyoid bridging in dry mandibles. Anthropol Anz. 2017 Jul 1;74(2):113-122. doi: 10.1127/anthranz/2017/0606.

Ossenberg NS. The mylohyoid bridge: an anomalous derivative of Meckel's cartilage. J Dent Res. 1974 Jan-Feb;53(1):77-82. doi: 10.1177/00220345740530013601.

Parlak M. Unilateral Large Mylohyoid Bridging the Dry Human Mandible. Int J Anat Var. 2022;15(9):216-217.

Rusu MC, Săndulescu M, Bichir C, Muntianu LAS. Combined anatomical variations: The mylohyoid bridge, retromolar canal and accessory palatine canals branched from the canalis sinuosus. Ann Anat. 2017 Nov;214:75-79. doi: 10.1016/j.aanat.2017.07.006.

Samanta PP, Priya A. Mylohyoid Bridging of the Mandible and its Clinical Importance in Dry Mandibles: A Cross-sectional Study. International Journal of Anatomy, Radiology and Surgery. 2023 Jan;12(1):AO07-AO10. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2023/53104.2860.

Sawyer DR, Allison MJ, Elzay RP, Pezzia A. The mylohyoid bridge of pre-Columbian Peruvians. Am J Phys Anthropol. 1978 Jan;48(1):9-15. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.1330480103.

Sawyer DR, Kiely ML. Jugular foramen and mylohyoid bridging in an Asian Indian population. Am J Phys Anthropol. 1987 Apr;72(4):473-7. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.1330720407.

Sen S, Girit MN, Ansen G, Pence KB, Yuzbasioglu N. Anatomical Relationship of the Mylohyoid Ridge, Lingual Concavity, and Mandibular Canal: A Retrospective CBCT Study. Diagnostics (Basel). 2025 Sep 3;15(17):2233. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics15172233.

Turan-Ozdemir S, Sendemir E. Incidence of mylohyoid bridging in 13th century Byzantine mandibles. Anat Sci Int. 2006 Jun;81(2):126-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1447-073X.2006.00140.x.

Yamano Y, Yamaguchi B. On the mylohyoid canal in the human mandible. Bull Natl Sci Mus Ser. 1976 Dec; D2:37–44.

Downloads

Published

2026-04-24

How to Cite

Mendes Júnior , G. G. G., Meneses Corrêa, K., Santos Souza, A. Y., Farias Gomes, L., Conserva Menezes, J. L., Santos de Oliveira, P. M., Sant’Anna Aragão, F. M., Sant’Anna Aragão, I. C., Cicotti, R., de Mendonça, D. M. F., Reis, F. P., & Aragão, J. A. (2026). MYLOHYOID BRIDGE IN HUMAN MANDIBLES: MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS. Brazilian Journal of Implantology and Health Sciences, 8(4), 1144–1157. https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-8169.2026v8n4p1144-1157

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 4 (2026): BJIHS QUALIS B3 - FATOR DE IMPACTO SJIF 5.807 - ÍNDICE H 19

Section

Original article

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Gilman Gabriel Gomes Mendes Júnior , Kauã Meneses Corrêa, Arthur Yoja Santos Souza, Leonardo Farias Gomes, José Levi Conserva Menezes, Paulo Matheus Santos de Oliveira, Felipe Matheus Sant’Anna Aragão, Iapunira Catarina Sant’Anna Aragão, Rudvan Cicotti, Deise Maria Furtado de Mendonça, Francisco Prado Reis, José Aderval Aragão

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Authors are copyright holders under a CCBY 4.0 license.