Surgical Anatomy of the Infratemporal Fossa: The Styloid Diaphragm Revisited

Abstract

The styloid diaphragm divides the ITF into prestyloid and retrostyloid regions and covers the high cervical ICA. Using landmarks for the exocranial portion of the lower cranial nerves is useful it identifying them and avoiding injury during approaches to the high cervical ICA, the upper cervical spine, and the ITF.

Penetrating knife injury to infratemporal region: case report and review of literature

“…The retrostyloid region contains major vascular structures (ICA, internal jugular vein) and the initial exocranial portion of the lower cranial nerves IX through XII. 3,4 In our patient the knife injury was prestyloid, however no injury to facial nerve or external carotid artery or parotid was noted.…”

The relationship between the carotid canal and mandibular condyle: an anatomical study with application to surgical approaches to the skull base via the infratemporal fossa

“…[7,8] It gives passage to several major cerebral vessels and cranial nerves. [7] Knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the ITF is important to safely expose pathology of the parapharyngeal space, the distal cervical ICA, the extracranial course of cranial nerves VII through XII, and the lateral cranial base.…”

“…[7,8] It gives passage to several major cerebral vessels and cranial nerves. [7] Knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the ITF is important to safely expose pathology of the parapharyngeal space, the distal cervical ICA, the extracranial course of cranial nerves VII through XII, and the lateral cranial base. Although a variety of surgical approaches to this region have been developed, the surgical anatomy is complex and remains challenging, often made more difficult by tumors that encase or displace key anatomical structures, increasing the complexity of surgical approaches.…”

“…Although a variety of surgical approaches to this region have been developed, the surgical anatomy is complex and remains challenging, often made more difficult by tumors that encase or displace key anatomical structures, increasing the complexity of surgical approaches. [7] 195 Carotid canal and the mandibular condyle …”

“…Bejjani et al [7] determined direct foraminal measurements of dried human skulls and noted the relationship of these foramina to each other and various landmarks. The anatomic relationships of muscles, nerves, arteries, and veins were carefully recorded, with special emphasis regarding the relationship of these structures to the styloid diaphragm.…”