The rectus capitis lateralis and the condylar triangle: important landmarks in posterior and lateral approaches to the jugular foramen

2017 ◽  
Vol 127 (6) ◽  
pp. 1398-1406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Cohen ◽  
Alexander I. Evins ◽  
Gennaro Lapadula ◽  
Leopold Arko ◽  
Philip E. Stieg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transverse Process ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Terminal Segment ◽  
Occipital Bone ◽  
Occipital Condyle ◽  
Occipital Artery ◽  
Digastric Muscle ◽  
Far Lateral ◽  
Neurovascular Structures ◽  
Superior Oblique

OBJECTIVEThe rectus capitis lateralis (RCL) is a small posterior cervical muscle that originates from the transverse process of C-1 and inserts onto the jugular process of the occipital bone. The authors describe the RCL and its anatomical relationships, and discuss its utility as a surgical landmark for safe exposure of the jugular foramen in extended or combined skull base approaches. In addition, the condylar triangle is defined as a landmark for localizing the vertebral artery (VA) and occipital condyle.METHODSFour cadaveric heads (8 sides) were used to perform far-lateral, extended far-lateral, combined transmastoid infralabyrinthine transcervical, and combined far-lateral transmastoid infralabyrinthine transcervical approaches to the jugular foramen. On each side, the RCL was dissected, and its musculoskeletal, vascular, and neural relationships were examined.RESULTSThe RCL lies directly posterior to the internal jugular vein—only separated by the carotid sheath and in some cases cranial nerve (CN) XI. The occipital artery travels between the RCL and the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, and the VA passes medially to the RCL as it exits the C-1 foramen transversarium and courses posteriorly toward its dural entrance. CNs IX–XI exit the jugular foramen directly anterior to the RCL. To provide a landmark for identification of the occipital condyle and the extradural VA without exposure of the suboccipital triangle, the authors propose and define a condylar triangle that is formed by the RCL anteriorly, the superior oblique posteriorly, and the occipital bone superiorly.CONCLUSIONSThe RCL is an important surgical landmark that allows for early identification of the critical neurovascular structures when approaching the jugular foramen, especially in the presence of anatomically displacing tumors. The condylar triangle is a novel and useful landmark for identifying the terminal segment of the hypoglossal canal as well as the superior aspect of the VA at its exit from the C-1 foramen transversarium, without performing a far-lateral exposure.

Usefulness of the C1 transverse process as a reference guide in the dissection of the upper lateral neck

2000 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 284-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tzung-Shiahn Sheen ◽  
K. Lawrence Yen ◽  
Jenq-Yuh Ko ◽  
Mow-Ming Hsu
Keyword(s):  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Transverse Process ◽  
Styloid Process ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Occipital Artery ◽  
Digastric Muscle ◽  
Lateral Neck ◽  
Reference Guide ◽  
Carotid Canal ◽  
Cervical Approach

In this investigation we dissected 3 cadavers with the lateral cervical approach to assess the usefulness of the transverse process of the atlas (TPA) as a reference guide in the upper lateral neck. Our results indicate that all the important structures in this space can be identified systematically. Lateral to the TPA sits the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, the stylohyoid muscle, and the occipital artery. Anterior to the TPA, the styloid process can be exposed. The internal jugular vein and cranial nerves X, XI, and XII sit between the styloid process and the TPA. Superior to the TPA, tracing the carotid sheath upward, the carotid canal and jugular foramen can be reached. Anteroinferior to the jugular foramen, the hypoglos-sal nerve emerges from the cranial cavity through the hypoglossal canal. Posterior to the TPA, the sub-occipital triangle can be recognized. Within the triangle, the vertebral artery and its accompanying venous complex can be identified.

Microsurgical anatomy of the transcondylar, supracondylar, and paracondylar extensions of the far-lateral approach

1997 ◽  
Vol 87 (4) ◽  
pp. 555-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hung T. Wen ◽  
Albert L. Rhoton ◽  
Toshiro Katsuta ◽  
Evandro de Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Occipital Bone ◽  
Occipital Condyle ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Posterior Portion ◽  
Hypoglossal Canal ◽  
Transcondylar Approach ◽  
Far Lateral Approach ◽  
Far Lateral

✓ Despite a large number of reports of the use of the far-lateral approach, some of the basic detail that is important in safely completing this exposure has not been defined or remains poorly understood. The basic far-lateral exposure provides access for the following approaches: 1) the transcondylar approach directed through the occipital condyle or the adjoining portions of the occipital and atlantal condyles; 2) the supracondylar approach directed through the area above the occipital condyle; and 3) the paracondylar exposure directed through the area lateral to the occipital condyle. The transcondylar approach provides access to the lower clivus and premedullary area. The supracondylar approach provides access to the region of, and medial to, the hypoglossal canal and jugular tubercle. The paracondylar approach, which includes drilling of the jugular process of the occipital bone in the area lateral to the occipital condyle, provides access to the posterior portion of the jugular foramen and to the mastoid on the lateral side of the jugular foramen. In this study, the anatomy important to completing the far-lateral approach and these modifications was examined in 12 cadaveric specimens. In the standard posterior and posterolateral approaches, an understanding of the individual suboccipital muscles is not essential. However, these muscles provide important landmarks for the far-lateral approach and its modifications. Other important considerations include the relationship of the occipital condyle to the foramen magnum, hypoglossal canal, jugular tubercle, the jugular process of the occipital bone, the mastoid, and the facial canal. These and other relationships important to completing these exposures were examined in this study.

Keyhole Endoscopic-Assisted Transcervical Approach to the Upper and Middle Retrostyloid Parapharyngeal Space: An Anatomic Feasibility Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aldo Eguiluz-Melendez ◽  
Sergio Torres-Bayona ◽  
María Belen Vega ◽  
Vanessa Hernández-Hernández ◽  
Erik W. Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Parapharyngeal Space ◽  
Jugular Bulb ◽  
Occipital Condyle ◽  
Digastric Muscle ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Main Trunk ◽  
Transcervical Approach ◽  
Semiquantitative Evaluation ◽  
Neurovascular Structures

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical nuances, feasibility, limitations, and surgical exposure of the parapharyngeal space (PPS) through a novel minimally invasive keyhole endoscopic-assisted transcervical approach (MIKET). Design Descriptive cadaveric study. Setting Microscopic and endoscopic high-quality images were taken comparing the MIKET approach with a conventional combined transmastoid infralabyrinthine transcervical approach. Participants Five colored latex-injected specimens (10 sides). Main Outcome Measures Qualitative anatomical descriptions in four surgical stages; quantitative and semiquantitative evaluation of relevant landmarks. Results A 5 cm long inverted hockey stick incision was designed to access a corridor posterior to the parotid gland after independent mobilization of nuchal and cervical muscles to expose the retrostyloid PPS. The digastric branch of the facial nerve, which runs 16.5 mm over the anteromedial part of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle before piercing the parotid fascia, was used as a landmark to identify the main trunk of the facial nerve. MIKET corridor was superior to the crossing of the accessory nerve over the internal jugular vein within 17.3 mm from the jugular process. Further exposure of the occipital condyle, vertebral artery, and the jugular bulb was achieved. Conclusion The novel MIKET approach provides in the cadaver straightforward access to the upper and middle retrostyloid PPS through a natural corridor without injuring important neurovascular structures. Our work sets the anatomical nuances and limitations that should guide future clinical studies to prove its efficacy and safety either as a stand-alone procedure or as an adjunct to other approaches, such as the endonasal endoscopic approach.

scholarly journals Resection of Foramen Magnum Meningioma through Modified Far Lateral Approach: Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinayak Narayan ◽  
Fareed Jumah ◽  
Anil Nanda
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Occipital Condyle ◽  
Far Lateral Approach ◽  
Far Lateral ◽  
Neurovascular Structures

Abstract Objectives Safe maximal resection is the basic principle of cranial base surgery and the grade of resection is an important factor influencing the prognostic outcome. This operative video highlights the surgical principles and technical nuances in the microsurgical resection of foramen magnum meningioma (FMM). Case Description The surgery was performed in a 45-year-old lady who presented with hoarseness of voice and spastic quadriparesis (grade 4/5). On imaging, FMM with mass effect on brainstem and spinal cord was identified. The tumor was gross totally resected through modified far lateral approach with minimal occipital condyle drilling. This video demonstrates the surgical techniques of tumor resection including early devascularization, operating in the arachnoid plane to dissect the neurovascular structures, piecemeal decompression, sharp dissection to separate tumor from lower cranial nerves (LCN), identifying the brainstem veins, and resecting the lesion from tumor–brainstem interface. Postoperatively, she had significant neurological improvement and the magnetic resonance imaging revealed excellent radiological outcome (Figs. 1 and 2). Conclusion The surgery of FMM is challenging due to the deep surgical corridor, critical location, close proximity with various neurovascular structures, firm consistency, and high vascularity of the tumor. The modified far lateral approach by preserving the occipital condyle may prevent the postoperative incidence of craniovertebral junction instability. The key operative principles to achieve the best surgical outcome include careful dissection along the arachnoid plane, gentle handling of cranial nerves, veins, and perforator vessels, avoidance of traction on brainstem and spinal cord, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, proper hemostasis, and meticulous dural closure.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/1qvAeUmNIUw.

scholarly journals Deconstruction of the Surgical Approach to the Jugular Foramen Region: Anatomical Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 80 (05) ◽  
pp. 518-526
Author(s):  
Jaafar Basma ◽  
L. Madison Michael ◽  
Jeffrey M. Sorenson ◽  
Jon H. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Approach ◽  
Styloid Process ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Surgical Anatomy ◽  
Cervical Region ◽  
Occipital Condyle ◽  
Digastric Muscle ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Anatomical Landmarks ◽  
Transcervical Approach

Abstract Introduction The jugular foramen occupies a complex and deep location between the skull base and the distal-lateral-cervical region. We propose a morphometric anatomical model to deconstruct its surgical anatomy and offer various quantifiable target-guided exposures and angles-of-attack. Methods Six cadaveric heads (12 sides) were dissected using a combined postauricular infralabyrinthine and distal transcervical approach with additional anterior transstyloid and posterior far lateral exposures. We identified anatomical landmarks and combined new and previously described contiguous triangles to expose the region; we defined the jugular and deep condylar triangles. Angles-of-attack to the jugular foramen were measured after removing the digastric muscle, styloid process, rectus capitis lateralis, and occipital condyle. Results Removing the digastric muscle and styloid process allowed 86.4° laterally and 85.5° anteriorly, respectively. Resecting the rectus capitis lateralis and jugular process provided the largest angle-of-attack (108.4° posteriorly). The occipital condyle can be drilled in the deep condylar triangle only adding 30.4° medially. A purely lateral approach provided a total of 280.3°. Cutting the jugular ring and mobilizing the vein can further expand the medial exposure. Conclusion The microsurgical anatomy of the jugular foramen can be deconstructed using a morphometric model, permitting a surgical approach customized to the pathology of interest.

scholarly journals Muscular-stage Dissection during Far Lateral Approach and Its Transcondylar Extension

2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (S 04) ◽  
pp. S356-S361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sakyo Hirai ◽  
Yoshiki Obata ◽  
Taketoshi Maehara ◽  
Masaru Aoyagi ◽  
Akihito Sato
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Transverse Process ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Oblique Muscle ◽  
Occipital Condyle ◽  
Artery Dissection ◽  
Posterior Arch ◽  
Far Lateral Approach ◽  
Far Lateral

Background The far lateral approach includes exposure of the C1 transverse process, vertebral artery, posterior arch of the atlas, and occipital condyle. We designed a method for systematic muscular-stage dissection and present our experience with this approach. Operative Methods We used a horseshoe scalp flap that was reflected downward and medially. The lateral muscle layers were separated layer to layer to expose the suboccipital triangle. The medial muscle layers were separated in the midline and reflected in a single layer. At this stage, the midline of the C1 process and the foramen magnum were identified. The rectus capitis posterior major muscle was reflected to expose the posterior arch of the atlas. The C1 transverse process and vertebral artery were identified by reflection of the superior oblique muscle. The occipital condyle was separated accordingly. Results We used this method of muscular dissection in 10 patients (foramen magnum meningioma, n = 5; hypoglossal schwannoma, n = 2; others, n = 3). Systematic muscular-stage dissection facilitates identification of the anatomical landmarks with no vertebral artery injury. Gross total removal was obtained in all 9 patients with complex tumors. The patient with vertebral artery dissection successfully underwent proximal clipping. Conclusion Our muscular-stage dissection could contribute to safe and effective surgery for the far lateral approach.

The Craniocaudal Extension of Posterolateral Approaches and Their Combination: A Quantitative Anatomic and Clinical Analysis

2010 ◽  
Vol 66 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ons-54-ons-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Safavi-Abbasi ◽  
Jean G. de Oliveira ◽  
Pushpa Deshmukh ◽  
Cassius V. Reis ◽  
Leonardo B.C. Brasiliense ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Clinical Analysis ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Lateral Extension ◽  
Far Lateral Approach ◽  
Far Lateral ◽  
Lower Clivus ◽  
Neurovascular Structures

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to describe quantitatively the properties of the posterolateral approaches and their combination. Methods: Six silicone-injected cadaveric heads were dissected bilaterally. Quantitative data were generated with the Optotrak 3020 system (Northern Digital, Waterloo, Canada) and Surgiscope (Elekta Instruments, Inc., Atlanta, GA), including key anatomic points on the skull base and brainstem. All parameters were measured after the basic retrosigmoid craniectomy and then after combination with a basic far-lateral extension. The clinical results of 20 patients who underwent a combined retrosigmoid and far-lateral approach were reviewed. Results: The change in accessibility to the lower clivus was greatest after the far-lateral extension (mean change, 43.62 ± 10.98 mm2; P = .001). Accessibility to the constant landmarks, Meckel’s cave, internal auditory meatus, and jugular foramen did not change significantly between the 2 approaches (P > .05). The greatest change in accessibility to soft tissue between the 2 approaches was to the lower brainstem (mean change, 33.88 ± 5.25 mm2; P = .0001). Total removal was achieved in 75% of the cases. The average postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale score of patients who underwent the combined retrosigmoid and far-lateral approach improved significantly, compared with the preoperative scores. Conclusion: The combination of the far-lateral and simple retrosigmoid approaches significantly increases the petroclival working area and access to the cranial nerves. However, risk of injury to neurovascular structures and time needed to extend the craniotomy must be weighed against the increased working area and angles of attack.

Posttraumatic Delayed Jugular Foramen Syndrome in a Toddler

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Toledo-Gotor ◽  
Nerea Gorría ◽  
Miren Oscoz ◽  
Katia Llano ◽  
Pablo la Fuente Rodríguez-de ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Examination ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Exceptional Case ◽  
Cerebellar Tonsil ◽  
Occipital Condyle ◽  
Lower Cranial Nerve ◽  
Cranial Nerve Palsies ◽  
Blunt Head Trauma ◽  
Condyle Fracture

Abstract Background Multiple lower cranial nerve palsies have been attributed to occipital condyle fractures in older children and adults, but no clinical details of other possible mechanisms have been described in infants. Case Report A 33-month-old boy suffered blunt head trauma. A bilateral skull base fracture was diagnosed, with favorable outcome during the first days after trauma. On the sixth day, the patient began to refuse drinking and developed hoarseness. Physical examination and additional investigations revealed paralysis of left VII, IX, X, and XI cranial nerves. A follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan disclosed a left petrous bone fracture involving the lateral margin of the jugular foramen, and a cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study showed a left cerebellar tonsil contusion. He improved after methylprednisolone was started. Three months later, he was asymptomatic, although mild weakness and atrophy of the left sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles remained 1 year later. Discussion A posttraumatic “jugular foramen syndrome” is rare in children, but it has been reported shortly after occipital condyle fracture, affecting mainly IX, X, and XI cranial nerves. In this toddler, delayed symptoms appeared with unilateral involvement. While an occipital fracture was ruled out, neuroimaging findings suggest the hypothesis of a focal contusion as a consequence of a coup-contrecoup injury. Conclusion This exceptional case highlights the importance of gathering physical examination, anatomical correlation, and neuroimaging to yield a diagnosis.

scholarly journals Far Lateral Craniotomy for Resection of Foramen Magnum Meningioma

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (S 04) ◽  
pp. S355-S357
Author(s):  
Robert T. Wicks ◽  
Xiaochun Zhao ◽  
Celene B. Mulholland ◽  
Peter Nakaji
Keyword(s):  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Craniocervical Junction ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Occipital Condyle ◽  
Formidable Challenge ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Vertebrobasilar Circulation ◽  
Far Lateral ◽  
Lower Cranial Nerves ◽  
Gain Access

Abstract Objective Foramen magnum meningiomas present a formidable challenge to resection due to frequent involvement of the lower cranial nerves and vertebrobasilar circulation. The video shows the use of a far lateral craniotomy to resect a foramen magnum meningioma. Design, Setting, and Participant A 49-year-old woman presented with neck pain and was found to have a large foramen magnum meningioma (Fig. 1A, B). Drilling of the posterior occipital condyle was required to gain access to the lateral aspect of the brain stem. The amount of occipital condyle resection varies by patient and pathology. Outcome/Result Maximal total resection of the tumor was achieved (Fig. 1B, C), and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 4 with no neurologic deficits. The technique for tumor microdissection (Fig. 2) is shown in the video. Conclusion Given the close proximity of foramen magnum meningiomas to vital structures at the craniocervical junction, surgical resection with careful microdissection and preservation of the overlying dura to prevent postoperative pseudomeningocele is necessary to successfully manage this pathology in those patients who are surgical candidates.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/Mds9N1x2zE0.

scholarly journals Retrosigmoid transmeatal and suprajugular approach for cerebellopontine angle meningioma: operative video

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (videosuppl2) ◽  
pp. V3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ken Matsushima ◽  
Michihiro Kohno
Keyword(s):  
Vagus Nerve ◽  
Temporal Bone ◽  
Surgical Management ◽  
Cerebellopontine Angle ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Bone Drilling ◽  
Operative Field ◽  
Nerve Monitoring ◽  
Brainstem Surgery ◽  
Neurovascular Structures

Surgical management of cerebellopontine angle meningiomas is challenging due to the intricate neurovascular structures within the limited operative field and the compression of eloquent structures including the brainstem. Surgery on tumors extending into the temporal bone is especially difficult and demands complicated approaches. However, modifications to the retrosigmoid approach utilizing intradural temporal bone drilling enable access to such tumoral extensions without any additional invasive approaches. This video demonstrates the case of a cerebellopontine angle meningioma extending into the internal acoustic meatus and jugular foramen that was surgically treated through the retrosigmoid transmeatal and suprajugular approaches under continuous vagus nerve monitoring.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/aUD1vr6TbOc.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document