Toma Spiriev1, Florian Heinrich Ebner2, Bernhard Hirt3, Thomas Shiozawa3, Corinna Gleiser3, Marcos Tatagiba2, Stephan Herlan2,3. 1. Department of Neurosurgery, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str.3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany. spiriev@gmail.com. 2. Department of Neurosurgery, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str.3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany. 3. Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, Eberhard-Karls-University, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str.8, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to clarify the presence or absence of fronto-temporal branches (FTB) of the facial nerve within the interfascial (between the superficial and deep leaflet of the temporalis fascia) fat pad. METHODS: Eight formalin-fixed cadaveric heads (16 sides) were used in the study. The course of the facial nerve and the FTB was dissected in its individual tissue planes and followed from the stylomastoid foramen to the frontal region. RESULTS: In the fronto-temporal region, above the zygomatic arch, FTB gives several small twigs running anteriorly in the fat pad above the superficial temporalis fascia and a branch within the temporo-parietal fascia (TPF) to the muscles of the forehead. There were no twigs of the FTB within the interfascial fat pad. CONCLUSIONS: No branches of the FTB are found in the interfascial (between the superficial and deep leaflet of the temporalis fascia) fat pad. The interfascial dissection can be safely performed without risk of injury to the FTB and potential subsequent frontalis palsy.
BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to clarify the presence or absence of fronto-temporal branches (FTB) of the facial nerve within the interfascial (between the superficial and deep leaflet of the temporalis fascia) fat pad. METHODS: Eight formalin-fixed cadaveric heads (16 sides) were used in the study. The course of the facial nerve and the FTB was dissected in its individual tissue planes and followed from the stylomastoid foramen to the frontal region. RESULTS: In the fronto-temporal region, above the zygomatic arch, FTB gives several small twigs running anteriorly in the fat pad above the superficial temporalis fascia and a branch within the temporo-parietal fascia (TPF) to the muscles of the forehead. There were no twigs of the FTB within the interfascial fat pad. CONCLUSIONS: No branches of the FTB are found in the interfascial (between the superficial and deep leaflet of the temporalis fascia) fat pad. The interfascial dissection can be safely performed without risk of injury to the FTB and potential subsequent frontalis palsy.
Authors: Lili Laleva; Toma Spiriev; Iacopo Dallan; Alberto Prats-Galino; Giuseppe Catapano; Vladimir Nakov; Matteo de Notaris Journal: J Neurol Surg B Skull Base Date: 2018-09-06