Manual neuronavigation for superior semicircular canal dehiscence surgery

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Otolaryngology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Intraoperative identification of superior semicircular canal (SSC) dehiscence using the middle cranial fossa approach (MCFA) is challenging without neuronavigation.
• A novel technique is proposed to overcome these difficulties by utilizing specific anatomical landmarks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a manual technique for intraoperative localization of SSC dehiscence.
• To provide surgeons with a reliable method for identifying SSC dehiscence during MCFA surgery.

Main Methods:

• Identification of three key anatomical landmarks on preoperative radiological images.
• Utilizing these landmarks during surgery to accurately pinpoint the SSC dehiscence.
• Development of instructional videos to demonstrate the technique.

Main Results:

• The proposed technique allows for accurate intraoperative localization of SSC dehiscence.
• The method relies on preoperative identification of the distance from the temporal bone, craniotomy limits, and relation to the bony external auditory canal.

Conclusions:

• The manual neuronavigation technique is an accurate, safe, and cost-effective alternative for SSC dehiscence surgery.
• This approach can aid surgeons in correctly identifying the SSC position intraoperatively.