Objective This study aims to determine the topographic localization of the stylomastoid foramen (SF) and its morphometric relationship with the surrounding bony landmarks. Design A descriptive anatomical study. Setting Anatomy Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine. Participants Measurements were performed on 53 dry temporal bones. Main Outcome Measures On the inferior and lateral aspects of photographic images, lines and angles were defined. The most lateral end of the SF (SF1) and the transverse medial–lateral line that passes through the upper end of the anterior border of mastoid process (line 1) were used as reference points for topographic evaluation. The upper end of the anterior border of mastoid process (A) and the tip of mastoid process (B) were considered in defining angles. The dates about SF were evaluated using the ImageJ 1.46r software and digital caliper. Results SF1 was classified into three different types based on its topographical localization, stated as Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. In Type 1, SF1 was located anterior to line 1 (54.7%). SF1 was located posterior to line 1 in Type 2 (34.0%). SF1 was located just over line 1 in Type 3 (11.3%). We also detected angular variations between these types in the inferior and lateral aspects. Conclusions The recommended angles of application are 30 degrees on the horizontal plane and 55 degrees on the sagittal plane for Type 1 when point B is considered. A needle length below 10 mm is more suitable to minimize the potential complications of the nerve block.

No abstract

Cadavers are indispensable tools that have been used by students and educators for teaching anatomy since the Renaissance. [1] Students are able to see the relationships among anatomic structures macroscopically and in three dimensions in anatomy education with cadavers. Cadavers are usually preserved by the method formaldehyde fixation. However, there are some disadvantages of the method of fixation by formaldehyde. The negative effects of formaldehyde on different systems on body have been reported previously. [2,3] With the fixation method that was first developed by Gunther von Hagens in 1977 [4] and named plastination, the exposure of students and lecturers to formaldehyde was prevented. The histological characteristics of the tissues that are fixated with this method are also preserved. [5] Tissues may be stored for a long time in a nontoxic, dry, durable and odorless way. [6] Therefore, plastinated cadavers have been a significant tool of education in anatomy training in time and their usage has become prevalent. [7,8] Due to the lack of cadaver donation in Turkey and the increasing number of medical schools, problems are experienced in obtaining cadavers for undergraduate and postgraduate anatomy education. [9] Being able to observe the anatomic structures clearly three dimensionally and being helpful to conceptualizing and understanding diagnostic tests increased the interest of medical schools on plastinated cadavers. [6,10] Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the awareness of medical students educated using plastinated cadavers, and determine their views on this education model.