Abstract
Background The frontal branch of the facial nerve (FBFN) is the most susceptible neural structure
to injury during frontotemporal craniotomies. The balance between adequate temporalis
muscle mobilization and frontal branch protection with minimal anatomical alteration
is the philosophy behind our approach to temporalis muscle dissection.
Objective To describe a combined subgaleal/myocutaneous technique for dissection and mobilization
of the temporalis muscle in anterolateral cranial approaches.
Methods Interdisciplinary literature review of the anatomical course of the FBFN was performed.
Retrospective analysis of anterolateral craniotomies performed at our institution
in which the combined subgaleal/myocutaneous (CSGMC) technique was performed.
Results A total of 71 cases of anterolateral craniotomies (excluding full variant orbitozygomatic)
were performed with the successful application of a CSGMC technique (36 pterional,
31 orbitopterional, and 4 fronto-orbital). Partial frontalis weakness was transient
in one case.
Conclusion The CSGMC technique provides sufficient protection for the FBFN and allows for adequate
mobilization for a variety of skull base exposures while minimally violating myofascial
anatomy. This is the first reported technique that allows both adequate temporalis
muscle mobilization with performance of the one-piece orbitofrontal and orbitopterional
approaches, without disruption of the superficial/deep temporalis fascia and fat-pad
complex.
Keywords
temporalis - interfascial - subfascial - frontalis palsy - facial nerve
