[Quantitative analysis of the exposure of suboccipital far-lateral approach and postauricular transtemporal approach to the jugular foramen region].
OBJECTIVE
To study the exposure of suboccipital far-lateral approach and postauricular transtemporal approach to the jugular foramen region based on quantitative measurements, and provide reliable anatomic data for selecting surgical approach individually and protecting the function of important structures.


METHODS
The complete approach of the suboccipital far-lateral approach and the postauricular transtemporal approach were reproduced in twelve (twenty-four sides) head-neck specimens of adults be fixed in 10% formalin. The exposure area to the jugular foramen region was obtained using a stereotactic device, and the length of exposure of the clivus and the trigeminal nerve were measured using a vernier caliper.


RESULTS
In the suboccipital far-lateral approach, the significant increase in exposure was noted after removal of the jugular process and partial resection of occipital condyle. In the postauricular transtemporal approach, the exposure increased significantly after complete retrolabyrinthine approach, partial labyrinthectomy and transcochlear approach.


CONCLUSIONS
Resection of jugular process is the key to expose the jugular foramen through the far-lateral approach. The infralabyrinthine approach and the partial labyrinthectomy approach are ideal approaches to expose the jugular foramen region laterally.
Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Sanbo Fuxing Brain Hospital & Fuxing Hospital, Affiliated to the Capital University of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100038, China.
Qing
Q
Liu
Chun-jiang
CJ
Yu
Xian-rui
XR
Yuan
Chang-xiang
CX
Yan
Jun
J
Yang
Ying
Y
Yue
Yu-bao
YB
Huang
D000328:Adult; D002102:Cadaver; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins; D009777:Occipital Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery*; D019291:Skull Base / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery*