Superficial temporal artery: the "C" shape half-buttonhole configuration as it courses over the zygomatic arch.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the course and configuration of the superficial temporal artery (STA) around the zygomatic arch.


METHODS
Volume rendered 3D reconstructions of computed tomography angiography of 25 healthy patients were performed and analyzed at Duke University Hospitals.


RESULTS
The STA coursed over the zygomatic arch or over the condylar process of the mandible in all cases (25/25 pts, 100 %). The STA courses over the posterior zygomatic arch in 23/25 pts (92 %), creating a characteristic "C" shape half-buttonhole configuration as it embraces the arch. When the STA travels posterior to the zygomatic arch, there is no C shape configuration (2/25 pts, 8 %). The STA bifurcates distal to the zygomatic arch in 24/25 pts (96 %).


CONCLUSIONS
The "C" shape half-buttonhole configuration is a useful identifying characteristic of the most common course of the STA-over the posterior zygomatic arch before it bifurcates.
Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Hospitals, 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC, 27705, USA. maryih.cobb@duke.edu.
Mary In-Ping Huang
MI
Cobb
Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Duke University Hospitals, Durham, USA.
Leo
L
Galvin
Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Hospitals, 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
L Fernando
LF
Gonzalez
D063405:Anatomic Variation; D000072226:Computed Tomography Angiography; D006801:Humans; D013699:Temporal Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015050:Zygoma / Q000033:anatomy & histology*
3D computed tomography angiography; Superficial temporal artery; Superficial temporal artery anatomy; Surgical anatomy; Zygomatic arch