Frontotemporal Branch Of Facial Nerve Research Articles

Fronto-temporal branch of facial nerve within the interfascial fat pad: is the interfascial dissection really safe?

The study was conducted to clarify the presence or absence of fronto-temporal branches (FTB) of the facial nerve within the interfascial (between the superficial and deep leaflet of the temporalis fascia) fat pad. Eight formalin-fixed cadaveric heads (16 sides) were used in the study. The course of the facial nerve and the FTB was dissected in its individual tissue planes and followed from the stylomastoid foramen to the frontal region. In the fronto-temporal region, above the zygomatic arch, FTB gives several small twigs running anteriorly in the fat pad above the superficial temporalis fascia and a branch within the temporo-parietal fascia (TPF) to the muscles of the forehead. There were no twigs of the FTB within the interfascial fat pad. No branches of the FTB are found in the interfascial (between the superficial and deep leaflet of the temporalis fascia) fat pad. The interfascial dissection can be safely performed without risk of injury to the FTB and potential subsequent frontalis palsy.

Techniques for Preservation of the Frontotemporal Branch of Facial Nerve during Orbitozygomatic Approaches.

Background During orbitozygomatic (OZ) approaches, the frontotemporal branch (FTB) of the facial nerve is exposed to injury if proper measures are not taken. This article describes in detail the nuances of the two most common techniques (interfascial and subfascial dissection). Design The FTB of the facial nerve was dissected and followed in its tissue planes on fresh-frozen cadaver heads. The interfascial and subfascial dissections were performed, and every step was photographed and examined. Results The interfascial dissection is safe to be started from the most anterior part of the superior temporal line and followed to the root of the zygoma. The dissection is continued on the deep temporalis fascia (DTF), and the interfascial fat pad is elevated. With the subfascial dissection, both the superficial temporalis fascia and the DTF are elevated. The interfascial dissection exposes the zygomatic arch directly, whereas the subfascial dissection requires an additional cut on the DTF to expose the zygomatic arch. Proper subperiosteal dissection on the zygomatic arch is another important step in FTB preservation. Conclusion Detailed understanding of the complex relationship of the tissue planes in the frontotemporal region is needed to perform OZ exposures safely.