Anatomical study of the supraorbital nerve in the rhytidectomy

Objective:To investigate the anatomical distribution of the supraorbital nerve and discuss its clinical significance in rhytidectomy. Methods:The distribution, course and neighbourship of the supraorbital nerve was observed on 30 halves of the fifteen candaveric specimens (ten antiseptic cadaveric specimens and five fresh cadavers). Results: After going through the supraorbital foramen, the supraorbital nerve formed superficial and deep divisions. The superficial division of the supraorbital nerve was smaller branches or a larger nerve bundle that penetrated the frontalis muscle at various points from the orbital rim to the mid forehead level just medial the frontal eminence process; the deep division presented 2 or 3 branches, or appeared as a single bundle and divided into 2 or 3 branches during its course. Conclusions: The supraorbital nerve locate in the area formed by the two separate lines starting from the foremen to the frontal eminence process, and the superior temporal line separately. To avoid using the coronal incision and flap dissection in the subgaleal plane would reduce the incidence of the supraorbital nerve injury in the rhytidectomy.