title: Topographic anatomy of the nerve to masseter: an anatomical and clinical study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of the motor nerve to masseter has proved to be a reliable and sensible solution in facial reanimation as a donor for free muscle transfer. In this paper we describe the topographic anatomy of the nerve to masseter and our original technique for its quick and safe harvesting.
  
  
  METHODS
  This anatomical study is based on the dissection of the nerve to masseter in 17 embalmed cadaverous sites and is focused on the anatomical relations between the nerve and the surrounding structures. Also buccal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve were dissected and assessed and the resulting data are compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The nerve to masseter has a predictable track inside the muscle which can be identified topographically within a square area under the zygomatic arch. This area is different between males and females and its accuracy has been tested on six patients at the Canniesburn Unit.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The nerve to masseter emerges in a very predictable point from the mandibular notch - immediately below the zygomatic arch - to run within the muscle belly. The approach here described allows safer and faster harvesting of the nerve to masseter with minimal dissection through the muscle.
authors.affiliation: Canniesburn Plastic Surgery Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 84 Castle Street, G4 0SF Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom. stefano.cotrufo@hotmail.co.uk
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cotrufo
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.forename: Anthony P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Payne
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sjogren
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lorenzo
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morley
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D004210:Dissection; D005149:Facial Expression; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008406:Masseter Muscle / Q000294:innervation*