THE ORBITOZYGOMATIC INFRATEMPORAL FOSSA APPROACH - A QUANTITATIVE ANATOMICAL STUDY

Using detailed cadaveric dissections this study has demonstrated and q uantified the increase in exposure and additional access gained by usi ng the orbitozygomatic infratemporal fossa approach for neurosurgical access. The surgical window of exposure can be increased by up to 300% when this technique is utilised to facilitate access via either a sub temporal (to access the P2 segment of the posterior cerebral artery) o r transsylvian (to access the basilar bifurcation) approach. In additi on the distance between the surgeon and the operative field can be dec reased by approximately 2-3 cm. The orbitozygomatic infratemporal foss a approach is a relatively simple technique which can readily increase neurosurgical exposure of the skull base. It also provides simultaneo us access to the infratemporal fossa, pterygopalatine fossa and the or bit.