Variations in the shapes of coronoid process of mandible: an osteological study

Background: Coronoid process is a flat, triangular projection from the ramus of mandible giving attachment to two important muscles of mastication -temporalis and masseter. The knowledge of variations in the shapes of coronoid process is important for maxillofacial surgeons as a graft material as well as for anthropologists for the detection of races. Aim: To determine the different shapes of coronoid process of mandible in both sides and both sexes. Material and Method: The present study was conducted on 104 mandibles from the department of anatomy, MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Bangalore. The different shapes of coronoid processes like triangular, hooked, rounded were macroscopically studied and analysed. Results: Triangular shaped coronoid process was seen in 45.19%, hooked in 33.6% and rounded in 21.15% mandibles. Triangular shaped coronoid process was seen in 45.7% in males and 43.3% in females followed by hook shaped 30.5% in males and 34.4% in females. Round shaped was least in both male and females showing the incidence of 23.7% and 22.3% respectively. Conclusion: Triangular shape of coronoid process was more prominent followed by hook and rounded shape in both sexes. This study will be helpful for maxillofacial surgeons, anatomists, forensic researchers ad anthropologists.