Modified Skin Incision and Location of Burr-Hole Surgery via a Retrosigmoid Approach: An Anatomical Study

Abstract

Objective This study aims to reduce the tissue damage during craniotomy with retrosigmoid approach. A modified sickle-shaped skin incision was developed, and a new burr-hole positioning method was proposed.

Methods Five adult cadaveric heads (10 sides) were used in this study. The sickle-shaped skin incision was performed during craniotomy. The nerves, blood vessels, and muscles were observed and measured under a microscope. Additionally, 62 dry adult skull specimens (left sided, n = 35; right sided, n = 27) were used to measure the distance between the most commonly used locating point (asterion [Ast] point) and the posteroinferior point of the transverse sigmoid sinus junction (PSTS) (Ast-PSTS), as well as the distance between the new locating O point and the PSTS (O-PSTS). Then, the reliability of the new locating O point was validated on the same five adult cadaveric heads (10 sides) used for the sickle-shaped skin incision.

Results The sickle-shaped skin incision reduced the damage to the occipital nerves, blood vessels, and muscles during the surgery via a retrosigmoid approach. The dispersion and variability of O-PSTS were smaller than those of Ast-PSTS.

Conclusion The sickle-shaped skin incision of the retrosigmoid approach can reduce the tissue damage and can completely expose the structures in the cerebellopontine angle. The modified O point is a more reliable locating point for a burr-hole surgery than the Ast point.

Keywords

retrosigmoid approach - anatomy - burr-hole surgery - occipital nerve - suboccipital nerve - occipital artery - skull specimen

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