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A novel reference coordinate system to locate the inferomedial point of the transverse-sigmoid sinus junction

  • Experimental research - Neurosurgical Anatomy
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Abstract

Background

A coordinate system was previously developed to identify landmarks on the skull surface to help locate the transverse-sigmoid sinus junction in order to reduce surgical morbidity in retrosigmoid craniotomy; however, in practice we found that this system has important flaws.

Objective

To develop and evaluate a novel reference coordinate system to precisely locate the inferomedial point of the transverse-sigmoid sinus junction (IMTS) and evaluate the effect of gender and skull side (left or right).

Methods

Forty-two adult skulls (84 sides) were obtained for analyses. The X-axis was defined by point A (where the upper edge of the zygomatic arch joins with the frontal process of the zygomatic bone) and point B (where the upper edge of the zygomatic arch blends posterosuperiorly into the supramastoid crest). The Y-axis was defined by the line perpendicular to the X-axis and extending across the tip of the mastoid. The x and y coordinates of IMTS (IMTS-x and IMTS-y) were measured in this coordinate system.

Results

There were 20 male skulls and 22 female skulls. The mean IMTS-x measurements were significantly higher on the right side compared with the left side in both males and females. For the left skull side, the mean IMTS-y measurements were significantly lower in females compared with males.

Conclusion

This novel reference coordinate system may be a reliable and practical method for identifying the IMTS during retrosigmoid craniotomy. There are significant differences in location of the axes with regard to gender and skull side.

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Financial Support

Clinical specific projects from Ministry of Public Health of China (106) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (81371349).

Conflicts of Interest

None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710061, China

    Rui-chun Li, Kuo Li, Lei Qi, Gao-feng Xu, Wan-fu Xie, Mao-de Wang & Gang Bao

Authors
  1. Rui-chun Li
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  2. Kuo Li
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  3. Lei Qi
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  4. Gao-feng Xu
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  5. Wan-fu Xie
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  6. Mao-de Wang
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  7. Gang Bao
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mao-de Wang.

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Li, Rc., Li, K., Qi, L. et al. A novel reference coordinate system to locate the inferomedial point of the transverse-sigmoid sinus junction. Acta Neurochir 156, 2209–2213 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-014-2204-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-014-2204-8

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