The superficial temporal artery: A meta‐analysis of its prevalence and morphology

Abstract

Introduction: The superficial temporal artery (STA) is a terminal branch of the external carotid artery. It supplies the regions of scalp and face. The morphometrical data concerning STAs are not consistent; therefore, in this systemic review and meta-analysis, we aimed in this to provide an up-to-date data on its anatomic features. Material and methods: In order to do this, PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science were searched. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items and Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines for the meta-analysis. Studies that reported the prevalence and anatomical data regarding STA were included in further analyses. Results: Out of 1,446 studies initially evaluated, 21 were included in the metaanalysis (874 patients/donors). The STA diameter was 1.5 mm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47-1.53 mm). The frontal and parietal branches of the STA were present in 97.6% (95% CIs: 94.6-99.5%) and 96.4% (95% CIs: 93.5-98.5%) of the cases, respectively. The STA bifurcation point was located above the zygomatic arch in 79.1% (95% CI: 68.0-84.3), below the zygomatic arch in 6.7% (95% CI: 2.4-12.1), and on the zygomatic arch in 11.1% of the cases (95% CI: 5.4-17.5). There was no bifurcation of the STA in 3.1% of the cases (95% CI: 0.4-7.3). Conclusion: The most comprehensive analysis of STA morphological features is presented. The results from this evidence-based anatomical study will improve understanding of the clinical STA anatomy, which in turn has major implications for understanding the STA in clinical practice.

The Critical Appraisal Tool for Anatomical Meta‐analysis: A framework for critically appraising anatomical meta‐analyses

“…In this article, we introduced the CATAM rubric and used it to critically appraise a recently published anatomical MA (Kacprzyk et al, 2020). There have been other anatomical MAs recently published (Aldabe et al, 2019; Bellier et al, 2020; Berthaume & Bull, 2021; Cheruiyot et al, 2021; Dreher et al, 2018; Graves et al, 2017; Harvie et al, 2019; Koziej et al, 2020; Morelli et al, 2019; Nallikuzhy et al, 2018; Roberts et al, 2021; Sirico et al, 2019; Solewski et al, 2021; Stefura et al, 2018; Tomaszewska et al, 2018; Tomaszewska et al, 2018; Tomaszewski et al, 2017; Tomaszewski et al, 2017; Vikse et al, 2016a, 2016b; Whitley et al, 2020; Yammine, 2013, 2014b, 2014c, 2014d; Yammine et al, 2015; Yurasakpong et al, 2021). We believe that the running paper that we used is an exemplary anatomical MA (Kacprzyk et al, 2020).…”

Improved procedure for Brown’s Class III maxillary reconstruction with composite deep circumflex iliac artery flap using computer-assisted technique

“…Various options were discussed such as vein grafts or anastomosis with ipsilateral superficial temporal vessels or facial vessels via the intraoral approach. In this study, we opted for superficial temporal vessels due to its consistent anatomical course [18].…”

Using the Helical Free Flap Based on the Retrograde Flow From Frontal Branch of Superficial Temporal Vessels in Lower Third Nasal Reconstruction

“…Parietal and frontal branches are 2 relatively constant terminal branches of the STA, which are present in 96.4% and 97.6% of the cases, respectively. 10 Reversed preauricular flap was firstly elevated as a pedicled flap based on the connection between frontal branch of superficial temporal vessels and supraorbital and supratro-chlear vessels. 11 This report proved that the preauricular skin and pre-helical cartilage could be well-supplied by the retrograde flow from the branches of STA.…”

“…The adequate length of the pedicle is also achievable by using retrograde blood flow from parietal or frontal branch of the STA. Parietal and frontal branches are 2 relatively constant terminal branches of the STA, which are present in 96.4% and 97.6% of the cases, respectively 10 . Reversed preauricular flap was firstly elevated as a pedicled flap based on the connection between frontal branch of superficial temporal vessels and supraorbital and supratro-chlear vessels 11 .…”