[The temporal periosteum: anatomical study and surgical implications]

The periosteum of the temporal area is mentioned at different places in the literature: either against the osseous plane like everywhere in the human body, or between the deep and the superficial temporal fascia. The subperiosteal subtemporal approach in craniofacial surgery in children is in favour of a juxta-osseous localization of the periosteum. Ten premature still-born neonates and two adults cadavers have been dissected for this study and, permit anatomical and histological (with HES coloration) studies. With every specimen, the authors concluded that the temporal periosteum is against the outer table of the calvarium. It became thinner in adults because of direct insertions of the temporalis muscle in the calvaria. An anatomical description of the layers of the temporal area is realised and discussed with an extensive review of the literature. The authors have proposed a subperiosteal subtemporal approach in craniostenosis surgery.