An anteromedial approach to the temporal horn to avoid injury to the optic radiation fibers and uncinate fasciculus: anatomical and technical note.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to define an anteromedial approach to the temporal horn via a transsylvian approach to avoid injury to the optic radiation fibers as well as the uncinate fasciculus. This route was compared with standard surgical approaches to the temporal horn, and their relationship to the optic radiation and uncinate fasciculus was reviewed.


METHODS
Three cadaveric brain specimens were prepared with freezing and thawing cycles according to the Klingler technique. Dissection was performed in a lateral-to-medial fashion with the help of wooden spatulas. Photographs were taken through the operating microscope at every level of the dissection. The dissection was continued until the optic radiation was encountered. Particular attention was paid to the relationship of the uncinate fasciculus with the optic radiation. An anteromedial transsylvian approach was defined to enter the temporal horn without injuring the optic radiation or the uncinate fasciculus.


CONCLUSIONS
A transsylvian anteromedial approach through the pyriform cortex at the level of the anterior and superior surface of the uncus enables a safe entry into the temporal horn without injury to the optic radiation fibers or the main part of the uncinate fasciculus.
Coppens
Jeroen R
JR
Division of Neurosurgery, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
Mahaney
Kelly B
KB
Abdulrauf
Saleem I
SI
D004210:Dissection / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009493:Neurosurgery / Q000379:methods; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D014795:Visual Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology