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DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1085430
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
Bony Tunnel Formation in the Middle Meningeal Groove: An Anatomic Study for Safer Pterional Craniotomy
Publication History
Publication Date:
05 December 2008 (online)
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Abstract
Objective: When the bone flap is removed in a pterional craniotomy, the middle meningeal artery (MMA) should be gently dissected to minimize blood loss. However, when the MMA pierces a bony tunnel in the middle meningeal groove it is easily damaged upon bone flap elevation. We have performed an anatomic study of this tunnel to render pterional craniotomy safer.
Methods: We examined 78 sides from 39 adult skulls for the presence and length of the tunnel, the distance between the lateral border of the superior orbital fissure and the proximal part of the tunnel, and examined the relationship between the MMA piercing the tunnel to a surface landmark, i.e., the junction of the sphenoparietal, sphenosquamosal, and squamosal sutures.
Results: We found 59 tunnels on 78 sides (75.6%); 2 were at the branching of the MMA on one side. The tunnels were located on the temporal side of the lesser wing of the sphenoid bone. The length of the tunnel and the distance from the superior orbital fissure were 3–23 mm (mean: 12.2 mm) and 11–33 mm (mean: 18.9 mm), respectively. Most tunnels (86.4%) were bilateral; in 67.8% of the specimens the MMA piercing the tunnel was just beneath the surface landmark.
Conclusion: As we found a high incidence of bony tunnel formation in the middle meningeal groove, actual findings can be different from the accepted nomenclature. If a tunnel exists, the MMA is easily damaged upon cracking of the lesser wing during bone flap elevation. Recognition of this anatomy may render pterional craniotomy safer.
Key words
anatomy - bony tunnel - middle meningeal groove - pterional craniotomy
References
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Correspondence
S. ShimizuMD
Department of Neurosurgery
Yokohama Stroke and Brain Center
1-2-1 Takigashira
Isogo-ku
Yokohama 235-0012
Japan
Phone: +81/045/753 25 00
Fax: +81/045/753 28 59
Email: Satoru4756@aol.com