Prevalence of the Mandibular Bifid Canal: A Cross Sectional Study in Ecuador

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of the bifid mandibular canal using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the city of Cuenca. Materials and Methods: A total of 174 CBCT studies (2022–2025) from an anonymous database were analyzed. Multiplanar reconstructions (coronal, sagittal, and axial views) were evaluated to identify anatomical variations of the mandibular canal. Bifurcations were classified according to Naitoh, considering the origin and trajectory of the accessory canal. Results: Bifid mandibular canal was identified in 14.4% of the evaluated CBCT scans. The retromolar canal was the most frequent variant. No marked side predominance was observed. A statistically significant association was found between the left-side Naitoh classification and age group (p = 0.047); however, the effect size was weak (Cramér’s V = 0.192). Conclusions: Bifid mandibular canal was an uncommon anatomical variation in this Ecuadorian sample. CBCT was useful for identifying mandibular canal variations and may support surgical planning. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution because the study was retrospective and based on CBCT scans from a single radiological center. Keywords: Bifid mandibular canal, Oral surgery, Prevalence, Association, Epidemiology, Anatomy, CBCT.