Posterior auricular artery as a novel anatomic landmark for identification of the facial nerve: A cadaveric study

Muyuan Liu, Steven J. Wang, Arnau Benet, Ali Tayebi Meybodi, Halima Tabani, Ivan H. EI-Sayed

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Despite preservation techniques, performing a parotidectomy carries a transient facial nerve dysfunction rate in up to 65% of cases and a permanent facial nerve weakness rate of 4%-7%. Methods: The lateral aspect of the face and neck was exposed in 5 cadaveric heads (10 sides). The relationship of the posterior auricular artery (PAA) and the facial nerve was studied and recorded and descriptive measurements were taken. Results: In all specimens, the facial nerve trunk crossed the PAA inferior to the stylomastoid foramen and could be identified precisely by tracing the PAA proximally. The distance from the cross point of the PAA and the facial nerve to the external meatal cartilage was 5.2 ± 0.2 mm. Conclusion: The PAA represents a potential new anatomic landmark for facial nerve identification at the main trunk.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1461-1465
Number of pages5
JournalHead and Neck
Volume40
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • anatomic landmarks
  • facial nerve
  • parotid neoplasms
  • posterior auricular artery
  • posterior auricular nerve

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology

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