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Innervation and functional reconstruction of the forehead
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford.
British Journal of Plastic Surgery
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Forehead motor and sensory nerve anatomy was studied via cadaver dissection. Findings informed a new reconstructive technique for forehead skin defects using innervated flaps.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Plastic Surgery
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Understanding forehead innervation is crucial for reconstructive surgery.
- Previous studies have not fully detailed the anatomical variations of the temporal branches of the facial nerve and the frontal nerve in the forehead.
Purpose of the Study:
- To precisely map the motor and sensory innervation of the forehead.
- To correlate anatomical findings with reconstructive surgical techniques.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of 10 human cadavers to identify and trace the course of motor and sensory nerves supplying the forehead.
- Detailed documentation of nerve branching patterns, anastomoses, and transitions in planes.
Main Results:
- Temporal branches of the facial nerve innervate the frontalis muscle, with variable branching and anastomoses.
- Sensory innervation originates from the frontal nerve, with a consistent pattern of medial to lateral branches changing from deep to superficial planes.
- Identified specific anatomical landmarks and pathways for nerve preservation during surgery.
Conclusions:
- Detailed anatomical knowledge of forehead innervation is essential for successful reconstructive procedures.
- The study provides a basis for designing and executing innervated musculocutaneous local flaps for forehead defect reconstruction up to 6 cm.
- This research contributes to improved surgical outcomes in facial reconstruction.