Depth Transitions of the Frontal Branch of the Facial Nerve: Implications in SMAS rhytidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Anatomy of the frontal branch of the facial nerve relative to the zygomatic arch and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) has been well described. The variability centers on the location where the frontal branch traverses from a deeper to more superficial plane in the SMAS. The goal of this study is to examine the depth transition of the frontal branch of the facial nerve relative to the zygomatic arch with hopes of pinpointing a caution zone for dissection to avoid nerve injury. METHODS: The frontal branch of the facial nerve was dissected in 36 hemifacial fresh cadaver specimens. Pitanguy's line, the zygomatic arch, and temporal crest were marked. Measurements were taken from the zygomatic arch to the location where the frontal branch pierced the temporoparietal fascia. Locations of the superficial temporal artery (STA), the frontal branch cross relative to the lateral orbital rim and frontalis muscle were also measured. RESULTS: In 94.4% (n = 36) of the specimens, the frontal branch was found to transition to an intra-SMAS plane approximately 9.6 mm above the zygomatic arch. In all specimens, the frontal branch transitioned to an intra-SMAS plane approximately 12.2 mm posterior to Pitanguy's line. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes a surgical "caution zone" centered on a point 9.6 mm above the arch and 12.2 mm posterior to Pitanguy's line, and related to the anterior branch of the STA. We hope this anatomical detail will help to decrease the likelihood of intraoperative injury to the frontal branch of the facial nerve.

Side Variations of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Coronal Angles: Implications for ACL Reconstruction.

Current literature has shown a biomechanical advantage of recreating the native coronal obliquity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during grating procedures; however, the majority of studies on ACL morphological variation have been performed unilaterally. This cadaveric study aimed to evaluate sided ACL coronal angle of inclination variation including trend analysis with sex, age, height, and femoral condyle width. The ACLs of 57 embalmed cadaveric specimens were evaluated bilaterally for a total of 114 ACLs. The knees were flexed to 110°. A 0.70-mm wire measured coronal angulation through the lateral tibial plateau and the medial ACL border. An image taken of the wire allowed digital measurement with the ImageJ software. IBM SPSS was utilized for statistical analysis. Bilateral measurements demonstrated a difference in an individual's sided ACL angulation (P < 0.001). Right-sided angulation was greater in 61.4% (35/57). In cadavers with greater right-side angulation, right ACLs averaged 66.2° versus left ACLs averaged 60.9° (P < 0.001). Cadavers with greater left-sided ACL angles demonstrated average left ACLs measuring 65.5° versus right ACLs measuring 60.6° (P < 0.001). Right-sided angles were greater in 69.7% of females. Understanding the anatomy of the ACL's native coronal angle and variations between a patient's knees is imperative during reconstruction surgery to aid in anatomic tunnel placement for improved knee motion and rotational knee kinematics following surgery. A statistically significant difference exists between an individual's right and left ACL coronal angles of inclination. Clin. Anat. 32:1102-1106, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.