A "Window" to Protect the Facial Nerve: A Descriptive Cadaveric Study.

J Maxillofac Oral Surg

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Sciences, M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Gnanagangotri campus, new BEL road, MSRIT post Mathikere, Bengaluru, 560054 India.

Published: October 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • Success in skeletal surgery relies on effective access to skeletal structures, with the retromandibular approach used to reach the ramus condyle region by navigating around facial nerve branches.
  • A study of 30 cadaveric facial halves utilized a retromandibular incision, measuring accessibility and safety windows, revealing significant variability in visibility across specimens.
  • Findings indicate that while most specimens provided good surgical access to important areas, risks to facial nerve integrity are present, highlighting the importance of understanding individual anatomical differences in surgical planning.

Article Abstract

Introduction: Success in skeletal surgery depends on adequate access and exposure of the underlying skeletal structures. The retromandibular approach exposes the ramus condyle region through the posterior border of the mandible by utilizing the space between marginal mandibular and buccal branches of the facial nerve. Length of this safety window and accessibility varies in each individual owing to the differing ramifications of peripheral branches of facial nerve. These variations cannot be adequately assessed through clinical studies. Cadaveric studies permit us to extensively explore the surgical area to demystify the branching pattern and its relationship to the adjacent structures.

Method: Thirty well-preserved cadaveric facial halves were dissected using a retromandibular incision. Visibility and accessibility were objectively graded through a scale. The safety window and furcation distance were measured using caliper and scale. The appearance of the retromandibular vein was also noted.

Results: Eighteen facial halves showed maximum accessibility wherein the surgeon is expected to visualize the condylar neck, subcondylar region and posterior half of ramus. In 8 facial halves, accessibility was limited to subcondylar and midportion of posterior ramus, and in 8 facial halves, accessibility was limited to the midportion of ramus of the mandible. Safety window ranged from 1.9 to 3.5 cms. Distance between the posterior border of mandible and bifurcation of the facial nerve ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 cms. Facial nerve was encountered in 24 facial halves during the retromandibular approach. Retromandibular vein was encountered in 23 facial halves during the retromandibular approach.

Discussion: The retromandibular approach is a versatile approach to the condyle subcondylar area as it provides much-required visibility and accessibility. The facial nerve branching pattern and intercommunicating branches determine the safety window which is adequate in most cases. The retromandibular vein is a reliable landmark predicting the vicinity of the facial nerve.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11455987PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12663-023-02012-4DOI Listing

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