Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to enhance understanding of the anatomy of the supraorbital nerve (SON) and greater occipital nerve (GON), focusing on their exit points, distal trajectories, and variability, utilizing a novel 3D representation.
Methods
Ten cadaveric specimens underwent meticulous dissection, and 3D landmarks were registered. Models were generated from CT scans, and a custom 3D method was employed to visualize nerve trajectories. Measurements, including lengths and distances, were obtained for the SON and GON.
Results
The SON exhibited varied exit points, with the lateral branches being the longest. The GON showed distinct branching patterns, which are described relative to various anatomical reference points and planes. No systematic left–right differences were observed for either nerve. 3D analysis revealed significant interindividual variability in nerve trajectories. The closest approximation between the SON and GON occurred between lateral branches.
Conclusion
The study introduces a novel 3D methodology for analyzing the SON and GON, highlighting considerable anatomical variation. Understanding this variability is crucial for clinical applications and tools targeting the skull innervation. The findings serve as a valuable reference for future research, emphasizing the necessity for personalized approaches in innervation-related interventions.
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Data availability
The 3D models, documentation, and source code can be accessed through the following GitHub repository: https://github.com/exanvub/supraorbital-greateroccipital-nerves.git.
Abbreviations
- SON:
-
Supraorbital nerve
- GON:
-
Greater occipital nerve
- TON:
-
Third occipital nerve
- LON:
-
Lesser occipital nerve
- STN:
-
Supratrochlear nerve
- MP:
-
Mastoid process
- EOP:
-
External Occipital Protuberance
- Medial–lateral split:
-
First branching of the GON at the back of the skill where it branches in a medial and lateral branch
- Lateral split:
-
Second branching where the lateral branch bifurcates
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Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the Department of Anatomical Research Training and Education (ARTE) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. An important appreciation must go to everyone who donated his or her body to science. Without them, this kind of research would not be possible.
Funding
A nonrestrictive financial grant was received from Salvia Bioelectronics Company.
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Contributions
NVV was the main author, analyzed the data, involved in visualization, and assisted in dissections. LM performed dissections and registrations. EM provided clinical support as a Clinical Scientist at Salvia BioElectronics. LB reviewed research and made suggestions for improvement. EC was a research promoter and provided valuable feedback on the paper. All authors reviewed the manuscript.
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The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have influenced the work reported in this paper.
Ethical approval
The study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Ethics Committee of Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussels (B.U.N. B1432020000200) on 29/07/2020.
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Van Vlasselaer, N., Meganck, L., Mulder, E. et al. 3D anatomy of the supraorbital and greater occipital nerve trajectories. Surg Radiol Anat (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-024-03322-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-024-03322-z