An Observational Study for Localization of Temporal and Marginal Mandibular Branch of Facial Nerve in Indian Cadavers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to observe the variation in the course of frontotemporal and marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve in Indian cadavers, by using fixed anatomical landmarks. A total of 30 hemi faces of 15 embalmed formalin-preserved cadavers were aged between 18 and 70 years, and dissection was carried to expose parotid and submandibular gland. Fronto-temporal and marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve were identified within the parotid gland. Retrograde dissection and identification of the fronto-temporal branch and marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve were done to measure the distance, and anatomical landmarks were given. We found that mean distance between temporal branch of facial nerve and root of the zygomatic arch was 25.4 ± 4.6 mm. Mean distance from the lateral canthus to the temporal nerve was 21.1 ± 4.0 mm. Mean distance from the lateral canthus to the temporal nerve, superiorly was 17.7 ± 4.2 mm. Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve runs with the mean distance of 6.3 ± 1.7 mm inferiorly from anatomical angle. Mean distance from the antegonial notch to the marginal mandibular nerve was 6.1 ± 1.6 mm. Mean distance from the lower border of the mandible at the level of mental foramen was 1.1 ± 6.3 mm. Course and variations of the facial nerve in relation to fixed anatomical landmarks can guide the surgeon to avoid facial nerve injuries and further postoperative complications.