Surgical landmarks of the temporo-frontal branch of the facial nerve]

The temporal branches of the facial nerve, and in particular the rami for the frontalis muscle, have been the subject of many studies with the main objective of avoiding injury. The usual reference points, sometimes difficult to localise, anatomical variations in their branching and anastomoses are the main points of our investigation. This anatomical dissection study of 30 cadavres, with easy reference points available both superficially and in the depths allow a simple, non complicated localisation of the frontal branch and its anastomosis in a precise way on the mandibular condyle, the zygomatic arch and the temporal region. The distances described a, b, c, are useful in common surgical practice: temporo-mandibular joint surgery, facial lifting, temporal and temporo-parietal fascia flaps, and contralateral neurotomy for frontal symmetrization among others.