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. 2018 Apr;79(2):173-176.
doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1606294. Epub 2017 Aug 28.

Surgical Anatomy of the Orbit in Human Cadavers-An Endoscopic Pictorial Documentation

Homajoun Maslehaty  1 , Saskia Schultheiss  2 , Martin Scholz  2 , Athanasios K Petridis  3
Affiliations

Surgical Anatomy of the Orbit in Human Cadavers-An Endoscopic Pictorial Documentation

Homajoun Maslehaty et al. J Neurol Surg B Skull Base. 2018 Apr.

Abstract

Background The aim of our study was a pictorial documentation of the anatomical structures of the orbit. Methods We performed a transmaxillary endoscopic approach in nine formalin-fixed human heads. We identified and documented the anatomy of the inferior part of the orbit. Results The first intraorbital anatomical landmark was the inferior rectus muscle, from which important structures medially and laterally could be identified. Anatomical structures and their relation to each other were documented and presented as illustrative figures. Conclusion Knowledge of the topographic anatomy of the inferior part of the orbit could be sufficiently imparted by our illustrations. The presented transmaxillary approach allowed a wide overview of the anatomical structures located in the inferior part of the orbit. Our pictorial documentation may provide neurosurgeons more safety and the opportunity to become familiar with the endoscopic anatomy.

Keywords: endoscopic anatomy; maxillary sinus; neuroanatomy; orbit.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest We declare that none of the authors have a conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic view of the transmaxillary approach. The course of the optic nerve is displayed yellow.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The right maxillary sinus. ( A ) Before perforation. ( B ) After perforation. L, lateral; M, medial.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
( A ) Identification of the inferior rectus muscle medial to the infraorbital artery. ( B and C ) Lateral aspect to the inferior rectus muscle, branch of the oculomotor nerve, and visualization of the ciliary nerves and artery after deeper dissection. L, lateral; M, medial.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Medial aspect of the inferior rectus muscle. ( A ) Superficial. ( B and C ) Deep dissection. L, lateral; M, medial.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Overview of the anatomical structures. ( A ) Medial aspect. ( B ) Lateral aspect of the inferior rectus muscle. L, lateral; M, medial.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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