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Published on: September 8, 2023
A new superficial landmark for the odontoid process: a cadaveric study.
Christian Fisahn1,2,3, Michael J Montalbano4, Joe Iwanaga4
1Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, 550 17th Avenue, Suite 500 James Tower, 5th Floor, Seattle, WA, 98122, USA. christian.fisahn@gmail.com.
The philtrum of the upper lip can estimate the odontoid process position. This anatomical landmark aids surgeons in verifying the bony structure, especially when image guidance is unavailable.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Radiology
- Surgical Navigation
Background:
- Superficial landmarks can estimate deeper anatomical structures when image guidance is unavailable.
- Surface landmarks for the odontoid process have not been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the philtrum of the upper lip as a surface landmark for the odontoid process.
- To assess the reliability of the philtrum for estimating odontoid process position.
Main Methods:
- Anatomical study on 20 cadaveric head specimens.
- Placement of 1-cm metallic rods on the philtrum of the upper lip.
- Radiographic assessment (lateral and anteroposterior) to measure the relationship between the philtrum and the odontoid process.
Main Results:
- Radiographic observations indicated a reasonable approximation between the philtrum and the midpoint of the odontoid process.
- The philtrum serves as a viable surface landmark for estimating odontoid process location.
Conclusions:
- The philtrum of the upper lip can be used as a first-line estimation for the odontoid process position.
- This landmark can assist surgeons in verifying the odontoid process, particularly after using image guidance.
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