The Study on the Microsurgical Anatomy of the Frontotemporal-zygomatic Arch Approach

Objective To study the microsurgical anatomy of frontotemporal-zygomatic arch approach and provide anatomical basis for operative approach. Methods Ten cases(20 sides) of Chinese adult cadaver heads fixed by 10% formalin and fifteen cases(30 sides) of dry skull samples were studied. The relative anatomical landmarks of the frontotemporal-zygomatic arch approach were dissected under microscope,observed, photographed, measured and analyzed. Results The frontal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve had variations. The distance from the inferior border of the bone window to the temporal base was shortened about 15mm with the zygomatic bone broken, which was correspondent with the width of the zygomatic archmearesured from the dry samples. Conclusion The frontotemporal-zygomatic arch approach is applicable to the lesions in the parasellar region. The operative space and visual angle of this approach are satisfying.