Trifid Mandibular Nerve Canal: An Enigma – A Rare Case Report

The knowledge and significance of any anatomical variation hold equal importance as the anatomy itself. These anatomical variations can have important clinical implications for the preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative management of patients. The mandibular canal is a bilateral osseous extension in the mandible carrying the inferior alveolar nerve from the mandibular foramen to the mental foramen. The location and configuration of the mandibular canal are considered important parameters in surgical procedures involving the mandible. The presence of bifid and trifid mandibular canals is considered variations of normal anatomy. The first established case of a trifid mandibular canal was reported in a study with dry mandibles. The main purpose of this case report is to pay attention to an apparently harmful anomaly, which can lead to various complications during surgical procedures.