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An anatomic study of the inferior oblique nerve with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging

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Abstract

Objective

To investigate anatomic features of the inferior oblique nerve (IObN) by high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and cadaveric dissection.

Methods

This study enrolled 100 consecutive outpatients, who underwent 3.0 T MR imaging equipped by the 32-channel head coil. The T2-weighted imaging data of IObN were extracted for analysis and compared with the findings of microsurgical dissection in 14 orbits.

Results

50 male and 50 female subjects allotted to the imaging study were aged from 11 to 78 years. In 94 % sides, the IObN was found to separate from the inferior rectus muscle (IRM) at the level just behind to the posterior pole of the bulb. At the midpoint of the IObN part coursing along the orbital floor and above or adjacent to the infraorbital nerve and artery complex, the mean distance from the lateral margin of the IRM was 1.0 mm on the right and 0.9 mm on the left. The IObN showed upward direction change just below the belly of the inferior oblique muscle and innervated to it at the equator level in 78 sides on the right and 89 on the left. Dissected specimens revealed the consistent morphological findings of the IObN.

Conclusions

The IObN seems to be a relatively consistent structure. Anatomic information on the IObN and surrounding structures that are provided by high-resolution MR imaging can be a help for safe surgery.

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Acknowledgments

This work was not supported by any grant. We thank Professor Rhoton AL Jr for supporting every aspect of the cadaveric study of the present work performed in the Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Florida, USA.

Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflict of interest concerning the materials or methods used in this study or the findings specified in this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurological Surgery, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, 2-1-1 Tomioka, Urayasu, Chiba, 279-0021, Japan

    Satoshi Tsutsumi, Yukimasa Yasumoto & Masanori Ito

  2. Division of Radiological Technology, Medical Satellite Yaesu Clinic, Tokyo, Japan

    Masanobu Nakamura & Takashi Tabuchi

Authors
  1. Satoshi Tsutsumi
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  2. Masanobu Nakamura
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  3. Takashi Tabuchi
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  4. Yukimasa Yasumoto
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  5. Masanori Ito
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Correspondence to Satoshi Tsutsumi.

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Tsutsumi, S., Nakamura, M., Tabuchi, T. et al. An anatomic study of the inferior oblique nerve with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. Surg Radiol Anat 35, 377–383 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-012-1040-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-012-1040-x

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