Bifurcation of the mandibular canal- radiological appreciation of a rare anatomical variation - report of 3 cases and review of the literature

The mandibular canal is a single canal that runs in the mandible carrying inferior alveolar neuro vascular bundle and splitting of the mandibular canal into in its course is rare occurrence. With the advent of 3-dimensional imaging modalities like computed tomography or cone-beam computed tomography better visualization becomes possible. As a result, more cases of this nature are being reported in the recent past giving rise to increased prevalence than in the past where two-dimensional imaging like digital panoramic tomography were dominating. This article also appreciates the radiological anatomy of three cases with bifurcation of the mandibular canal incidentally diagnosed in the cone-beam computed tomography and also discusses the clinical significance of this rare anatomical entity.