Mental foramen and anterior loop anatomic characteristics: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional imaging studies
Abstract
The present study aimed to review the epidemiological, topographic, and morphometric aspects of the mental foramen (MF) and anterior loop (AL) on CBCT imaging studies. A PROSPERO-registered systematic review (CRD42018112991) was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction from observational studies that evaluated MF and AL on seven electronic databases. MedCal software was used to perform a meta-analysis with a 95% confidence level. Of 1545 articles, 66 met the inclusion criteria, totaling 14.233 patients from five continents, with a total of 6655 females and 5884 males, with an age range between 8 and 89 years. The most prevalent shapes of MF were oval (48.72%) and circular (44.36%), and the most frequent horizontal positions were between premolars (43.66%) and in line with the long axis of the second premolar (43.12%). Based on the articles that assessed AL, the mean prevalence was 43.18%, with most studies reporting bilateral localization as the most prevalent.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 233 participants or records.
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