Relationship of the temporofrontal rami of the facial nerve to the fascial layers of the temporal region.

Abstract

Historically, dissection of the temporoparietal fascia immediately above the zygomatic arch has been avoided due to the risk of transection of the temporofrontal rami of the facial nerve. A total of 8 fresh cadaveric hemi-faces have been dissected to investigate the relationship of the temporofrontal rami of the facial nerve to the fascial layers in the temporal region. The relationship of the temporofrontal rami of the facial nerve to the fascial layers in the temporal region is variable, with some deep rami coursing below the parotid-temporal fascia and other superficial rami reaching the temporoparietal fascia before entering the lateral edge of the orbicularis oculi. Dissection of the temporoparietal fascia immediately above the zygomatic arch may place superficial branches of the temporofrontal rami at risk.