The mandibular notch (sigmoid notch) is the curved dip in the upper border of the mandibular ramus between the coronoid process in front and the condylar process behind. Nerves and vessels to the masseter muscle pass outward through it. It forms the lower boundary of a space through which the mandibular nerve can be reached for anaesthesia.
| Articulations | |
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| Landmarks |
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| Ossification | Part of the mandible, which ossifies mostly in membrane; the notch takes shape as the condylar and coronoid processes grow during childhood. |
The mandibular notch is used as a landmark for extraoral blocks of the mandibular nerve, where a needle is passed through the notch below the zygomatic arch toward the lateral pterygoid plate. Its shape and depth are important in planning mandibular osteotomies and in assessing condylar neck fractures, which occur just behind the notch. On panoramic X-rays it helps outline the coronoid and condylar processes.
A fracture just behind the mandibular notch, usually from a blow to the chin, causing jaw pain, deviation on opening and a change in bite.
An uncommon fracture of the process in front of the notch, often combined with zygomatic arch fractures.
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