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Anatomical assessment of the digastric branch of the facial nerve as a landmark to localize the extratemporal facial nerve trunk

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Abstract

Purpose

Localization of the facial nerve trunk (FNT) [i.e., the portion of the facial nerve between the stylomastoid foramen (SMF) and pes anserinus] may be required during various surgical interventions such as parotidectomy and hypoglossal-facial anastomosis. Several landmarks have been proposed for efficient identification of the FNT. We sought to assess the anatomical features of the digastric branch of the facial nerve (DBFN) and its potential as a landmark to identify FNT.

Methods

Fifteen sides of eight cadaveric heads were dissected to find the DBFN. Anatomic features of DBFN including its point of origin relative to SMF, length, and important relationships, as well as the distance between the insertion point on the digastric muscle and mastoid tip were recorded.

Results

DBFN was found in all specimens originating from the FNT outside the SMF with an average length (± standard deviation) of 15.4 ± 3.4 mm. In all specimens, the DBFN inserted on the superomedial aspect of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle (PBD). In 8/15 specimens, DBFN was accompanied by the stylomastoid artery on its anteromedial side. Average distance (± standard deviation) between the mastoid tip and the nerve insertion point on PBD was 13.6 ± 2.0 mm (range 10–17).

Conclusions

The DBFN is a reliable landmark for identifying the FNT. It could be consistently identified within 15–20 mm of the mastoid tip on the superomedial aspect of the PBD. The DBFN may be used as a supplementary landmark for efficient localization of the FNT.

Level of evidence

Not applicable (anatomic study).

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Fig. 1
Fig. 2

(Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.)

Fig. 3

(Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.)

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Funding

This study was funded by the Barrow Neurological Foundation and the Newsome Chair in Neurosurgery Research held by Dr. Preul. Dr. Tayebi Meybodi is supported by fellowship funds from the Barrow Neurological Foundation.

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Author notes

  1. Tayebi Meybodi and Borba Moreira contributed equally to this paper.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA

    Ali Tayebi Meybodi, Leandro Borba Moreira, Michael T. Lawton & Mark C. Preul

Authors
  1. Ali Tayebi Meybodi
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  2. Leandro Borba Moreira
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  3. Michael T. Lawton
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  4. Mark C. Preul
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Contributions

ATM: Project Development, Data Collection, Data Analysis, Manuscript Writing. LBM: Data Collection, Data Analysis, Critically Revising the Article. MTL: Critically Revising the Article. MCP: Project Development, Critically Revising the Article, Study Supervision, Technical and Administrative Support.

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Correspondence to Mark C. Preul.

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Tayebi Meybodi, A., Borba Moreira, L., Lawton, M.T. et al. Anatomical assessment of the digastric branch of the facial nerve as a landmark to localize the extratemporal facial nerve trunk. Surg Radiol Anat 41, 657–662 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-019-02222-x

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