Relationship between torus mandibularis and mandibular cortical bone width using computed tomography

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mandibular cortical width (MCW) and torus mandibularis (TM) using computed tomography (CT). Materials and methods: This retrospective case–control study included 34 patients with TM and 34 age- and sex-matched patients without TM who underwent CT at our hospital between April 2017 and December 2020. TM was identified by a radiologist from CT scans as an exostosis continuous with the lingual cortical bone of the mandible. Patients with a history of bisphosphonate use, malignancy, or mandibular fractures were excluded from this study. The MCW was measured by estimating the thickness of the cortical bone at the lower edge of the bilateral mandible using a CT coronal slice and calculating the average value. Nonparametric Mann–Whitney U tests were used to assess the differences in continuous variables based on the MCW and mandibular cortical index status. Results: The MCW was significantly associated with the TM. Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that the MCW may be associated with the development of TM. MCW on CT images may help predict the future development of TM.