Expanded exposure and detailed anatomic analysis of the superior orbital fissure: Implications for endonasal and transorbital approaches

This study aimed to ascertain the maximal exposure of the superior orbital fissure (SOF) afforded by combining endonasal and transorbital endoscopic approaches. Six cadaveric specimens (12 sides) were dissected using endonasal and transorbital endoscopic approaches to access the SOF. The order of the approaches was alternated in each specimen (eg, starting with an endonasal approach in one side followed by a transorbital exposure and reversing the order on the contralateral side). Maximal exposure of the SOF and its contents for individual and combined approaches were explored. The endonasal corridor provided adequate access to the inferomedial 1/3 of the SOF and including the proximal segments of cranial nerves (CN) III, V₁ and VI. A transorbital approach was superior accessing the superolateral 2/3's of the SOF, including the superior ophthalmic vein, lacrimal nerve, and distal segment of the CN VI at the lateral aspect; the nasociliary nerve and divisions of CN III centrally; and the frontal nerve and CN IV at the dorsal aspect of levator palpebrae superioris. This study suggests that a combined endonasal and transorbital exposure of the SOF may be advantageous to address lesions in this challenging region.