Morphometric Evaluation of the Indian Goat Mandible for Biomechanical and Dental Implant Research

Abstract

Background: Biomechanical testing of maxillofacial fracture fixation hardware, as well as the placement of dental implants for practice, requires a suitable bone medium that may mimic human bone. Indian goat may be an appropriate candidate for the same due to its availability. However, clearly, a research gap exists in identifying a suitable region in the goat mandible for biomechanical and dental implants research. This study evaluated the morphometric characteristics of the Indian goat mandible and identified anatomically suitable sites for these experimental studies. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cadaveric cross-sectional study was performed on 30 adult Indian goat mandibles obtained from a slaughterhouse. Various horizontal and vertical morphometric parameters were recorded. Buccolingual thickness of the mandibular body was measured at the anterior, middle, and posterior dentate regions at the alveolar crest and 6 mm and 12 mm below the crest. Results: The mean mandibular length was 147.09 ± 4.74 mm, and the mean maximum mandibular height was 85.90 ± 23.55 mm. Buccolingual thickness progressively increased from the anterior to the posterior mandible. The posterior dentate region demonstrated the greatest bone width, measuring 8.19 mm at the alveolar crest, 12.12 mm at 6 mm, and 14.65 mm at 12 mm below the alveolar crest. Conclusion: Despite morphological differences from the human mandible, the goat mandible can be a suitable anatomical site for tribological studies. The posterior and middle dentate mandible appear most appropriate for biomechanical studies of fixation devices, practicing osteotomies, and implant placements.