The coronal incision: sinusoidal, sawtooth, and postauricular techniques.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• The coronal incision is a widely used surgical approach for accessing the cranial vault and upper facial skeleton.
• Existing modifications aim to camouflage the incision within the hair.
• A need exists for a simple, reproducible method to create modified coronal incision patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a straightforward technique for generating sinusoidal or sawtooth coronal incision lines.
• To facilitate the creation of modified coronal incisions with or without postauricular extensions.
• To enhance surgical exposure for various neurosurgical, craniofacial, and cosmetic procedures.

Main Methods:

• A tape measure is positioned at the anterior auricular helix.
• Marks are made every 2 cm on alternating sides along the tape measure as it advances coronally to the skull's vertex.
• The resulting marks are connected to form sinusoidal or sawtooth patterns, with optional postauricular extension.

Main Results:

• The described method allows for rapid and easy creation of regularly spaced sinusoidal or sawtooth coronal incision lines.
• The technique can be readily adapted to include a postauricular extension.
• This modification provides a template for improved surgical access and aesthetic camouflage.

Conclusions:

• The tape measure technique offers a simple and effective way to modify the standard coronal incision.
• This method facilitates the creation of cosmetically favorable and surgically practical incision lines.
• The modified coronal incision enhances exposure for a range of cranial and facial surgical procedures.