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Superficial temporal artery: the “C” shape half-buttonhole configuration as it courses over the zygomatic arch

  • Anatomic Variations
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Abstract

Purpose

To describe the course and configuration of the superficial temporal artery (STA) around the zygomatic arch.

Methods

Volume rendered 3D reconstructions of computed tomography angiography of 25 healthy patients were performed and analyzed at Duke University Hospitals.

Results

The STA coursed over the zygomatic arch or over the condylar process of the mandible in all cases (25/25 pts, 100 %). The STA courses over the posterior zygomatic arch in 23/25 pts (92 %), creating a characteristic “C” shape half-buttonhole configuration as it embraces the arch. When the STA travels posterior to the zygomatic arch, there is no C shape configuration (2/25 pts, 8 %). The STA bifurcates distal to the zygomatic arch in 24/25 pts (96 %).

Conclusions

The “C” shape half-buttonhole configuration is a useful identifying characteristic of the most common course of the STA—over the posterior zygomatic arch before it bifurcates.

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Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Mauro Ferreira, MD for his work on the cadaveric dissection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Hospitals, 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC, 27705, USA

    Mary In-Ping Huang Cobb & L. Fernando Gonzalez

  2. Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Duke University Hospitals, Durham, USA

    Leo Galvin

Authors
  1. Mary In-Ping Huang Cobb
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  2. Leo Galvin
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  3. L. Fernando Gonzalez
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mary In-Ping Huang Cobb.

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Ethical standards

This study complies with the current laws of the United States of America, where it was performed.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that we have no conflicts of interest.

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Cobb, M.IP.H., Galvin, L. & Gonzalez, L.F. Superficial temporal artery: the “C” shape half-buttonhole configuration as it courses over the zygomatic arch. Surg Radiol Anat 38, 493–495 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-015-1537-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-015-1537-1

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