A message to the plastic and dental surgeons regarding anatomical variation of the III trigeminal branch. Analysis of literature, diagnostic-radiological correlations and case reports

Abstract

Background:  “Pain”   is   one   of   the   defense mechanisms  of  the  body  and  fundamental  for life   support.   However,   the   orofacial   pain   of trigeminal  neuralgia  plays  no  role  in  the  body’s defense  mechanisms  and  requires  therapeutic intervention. Methods: In our study we analyzed how the anatomical variations of the III trigeminal branch should be considered in case of persistence of   painful   symptoms   after   maxillofacial   and dental  surgery  treatments.  Results: In  our  case reports  we  have  shown  how  a  careful  medical history  and  a  thorough  radiological  technique can highlight the anatomical variations of the III trigeminal branch. Conclusion: The indication for a radiological study of the anatomical variations of  the  III  branch  of  the  trigeminal  nerve  is mainly supported by the request to perform any intervention  in  order  to  avoid  complications in  case  of  double  or  triple  nerve  canal  or  even motor  damage  at  the  level  of  the  temporal  and mandibular joint.