The purpose of this study was to characterize
the anatomy of the genial tubercle using cone
beam computed tomography (CBCT). The morphology
and detailed anatomy of the genial tubercle were
assessed retrospectively in 201 patients (101 females,
100 males) using CBCT images. The parameters
examined were the height (GH) and width (GW) of
the genial tubercle, the distance from the lower incisors
to the superior border of the tubercle (I-SGT), the
distance from the inferior margin of the tubercle to
the inferior margin of the mandible (IGM-IBM), and
the anterior mandible thickness (AMT). Statistical
analysis was performed to assess relationships among
these parameters, gender, and orthodontic malocclusion
(P < 0.05). The values obtained were GH 7.3-8.7
mm, GW 7.9-9.2 mm, I-SGT 7.1-9.1 mm, IGM-IBM
8.3-10.1 mm, and AMT 14.0-16.2 mm. GH, GW, and
I-SGT showed no significant differences between
genders (P > 0.05). However, IGM-IBM was larger
for class III than for class I and class II male patients,
and larger than for class I female patients. AMT in
class III patients was greater than in class I and II
patients (P < 0.05). The use of CBCT, which employs
less radiation, is important for dental professionals,especially those performing surgery for obstructive
sleep apnea (OSA), in order to avoid possible surgical
complications. (J Oral Sci 57, 151-156, 2015)