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Interfascial approach for pterional craniotomy: technique and adjustments to prevent cosmetic complications

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Abstract

Background

Interfascial dissection for pterional craniotomy is one of the main techniques to expose the pterional region.

Method

A step-by-step optimized method of interfascial dissection to avoid three main esthetic complications of the pterional approach—upper facial nerve palsy, temporal muscle atrophy, and retro-orbital depression. A video of the interfascial dissection and three artistic drawings are provided in support of this technique.

Conclusion

A safe method of interfascial dissection, respecting anatomy, and avoiding cosmetic complications has been proposed.

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Abbreviations

GA:

Galea aponeurotica

LAT:

Loose areolar tissue

STL:

Superior temporal line

TF:

Temporal fascia

TPF:

Temporoparietal fascia

TM:

Temporal muscle

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, La Timone Hospital, APHM, Aix Marseille University, 264 Rue Saint Pierre, 13385, Marseille, France

    Guillaume Baucher, Thomas Graillon & Henry Dufour

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, CHU Angers, University of Angers, 28 Rue Roger Amsler, 49100, Angers, France

    Florian Bernard

  3. Laboratory of Anatomy, Faculté de Médecine d’Angers, 28 Rue Roger Amsler, 49100, Angers, France

    Florian Bernard

Authors
  1. Guillaume Baucher
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  2. Florian Bernard
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  3. Thomas Graillon
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  4. Henry Dufour
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Guillaume Baucher.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

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Baucher, G., Bernard, F., Graillon, T. et al. Interfascial approach for pterional craniotomy: technique and adjustments to prevent cosmetic complications. Acta Neurochir 161, 2353–2357 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-019-04058-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-019-04058-1

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