Combined subgaleal/myocutaneous technique for temporalis muscle dissection

Background: The frontal branch of the facial nerve (FBFN) is the most susceptible neural structure to injury during frontotemporal craniotomies. The balance between adequate temporalis muscle mobilization and frontal branch protection with minimal anatomical alteration is the philosophy behind our approach to temporalis muscle dissection. Objective: To describe a combined subgaleal/myocutaneous technique for dissection and mobilization of the temporalis muscle in anterolateral cranial approaches. Methods: Interdisciplinary literature review of the anatomical course of the FBFN was performed. Retrospective analysis of anterolateral craniotomies performed at our institution in which the combined subgaleal/myocutaneous (CSGMC) technique was performed. Results: A total of 71 cases of anterolateral craniotomies (excluding full variant orbitozygomatic) were performed with the successful application of a CSGMC technique (36 pterional, 31 orbitopterional, and 4 fronto-orbital). Partial frontalis weakness was transient in one case. Conclusion: The CSGMC technique provides suf ficient protection for the FBFN and allows for adequate mobilization for a variety of skull base exposures while minimally violating myofascial anatomy. This is the fi rst reported technique that allows both adequate temporalis muscle mobilization with performance of the one-piece orbito-frontal and orbitopterional approaches, without disruption of the super ficial/deep temporalis fascia and fat-pad complex.