Topographic Anatomy of the Zygomatico-Orbital Artery

Abstract

The zygomatico-orbital artery (ZOA) originating from the superficial temporal artery and supplying the lower temporal region superficially has been reported. Previous studies of this artery have used definitions that are too ambiguous for the results to be directly adapted to clinical practice, including since they have resulted in marked variations in the reported incidence ofthe artery. This study dissected 193 hemifaces of 123 fixed human cadavers aged 36 to 102 years (119 males and 74 females). The authors investigated the ZOA based on the following definition: (1) it originates from the superficial temporal artery, (2) it runs mostly above the zygomatic arch, and (3) it terminates below the superior border of the orbicularis oculi muscle. The incidence of the ZOA was 22.8% (44 cases of 193 sides), and its mean diameter was 1.1 mm. The meanvertical distances from the superior borderofthe zygomatic arch to the artery were 29.6, 17.8, and 2.9 mm at the jugale, zygion, and the origin of the ZOA, respectively. An accurate definition of the ZOA and accurate knowledge of its incidence and course could be important for clinicians to avoid unintentional complications in clinical practice.

Blood Supply of the Temporal Flap Pedicled With Orbicularis Oculi Muscle: Anatomy and Its Clinical Implications

“…The mean diameter of ZOA when it entered OOM was 0.40 mm in females and 0.53 mm in males who had significantly larger values than females ( P =0.012). In some previous reports, the mean diameter of ZOA was 1.2 mm, 1.1 mm, and 2.52 mm, respectively 20–22 . The reason why our values were smaller than theirs may be that the measuring positions and tools were different.…”

“…In some previous reports, the mean diameter of ZOA was 1.2 mm, 1.1 mm, and 2.52 mm, respectively. [20][21][22] The reason why our values were smaller than theirs may be that the measuring positions and tools were different. We measured the diameter of ZOA when it entered OOM, whereas some authors measured the diameter of ZOA when it was dissected from the branching point of the superficial temporal artery.…”

“…Pinar et al reported the incidence of ZOA was 77.77% (in 21 out of 27 samples), and Riggio et al found the incidence was 92% (in 46 out of 50 samples) 18,19 . However, in another study, the incidence of ZOA was 22.8% (44 cases of 193 sides) 20 . The ZOA is the main branch of the superficial temporal artery in the temporal region, which is very important for the design of the temporal flap.…”

“…18,19 However, in another study, the incidence of ZOA was 22.8% (44 cases of 193 sides). 20 The ZOA is the main branch of the superficial temporal artery in the temporal region, which is very important for the design of the temporal flap. We measured the diameter of ZOA because information on the diameter was important when utilizing the artery as a recipient vessel for a free flap.…”

“…We measured the diameter of ZOA when it entered OOM, whereas some authors measured the diameter of ZOA when it was dissected from the branching point of the superficial temporal artery. 20 Furthermore, the measuring tools we used were Vernier caliper and theirs were contrast-enhanced 3-dimensional computer tomography or color-flow Doppler sonography. 21,22 We also measured the maximum width of OOM because muscle is an indispensable structure of this flap.…”