Analyzing the facial nerve at Zuker's point using geometric morphometrics: a cadaveric study

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Surgical Navigation
• Geometric Morphometrics

Background:

• Zuker's point is a surface landmark for facial nerve localization.
• Previous studies lacked 3D descriptions and analysis of sex, laterality, or face shape influence.
• Geometric morphometrics can provide a 3D analysis of facial nerve position relative to Zuker's point.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the 3D position of the facial nerve at Zuker's point.
• To determine the influence of sex, laterality, and face shape on facial nerve position.
• To enhance the reliability of Zuker's point for facial nerve localization.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 82 cadaveric hemifaces.
• 3D coordinate data capture of key landmarks using a MicroScribe digitizer.
• Application of mean landmark configuration and principal component analysis.

Main Results:

• Facial nerve consistently deviated towards the 1 o'clock position (right side view).
• Zuker's point accuracy improved in longer, rounder faces.
• Shorter, slimmer faces showed a more superior and superficial nerve position relative to Zuker's point.

Conclusions:

• Zuker's point is a reliable landmark for facial nerve localization, independent of sex or laterality.
• Facial nerve position relative to Zuker's point is influenced by face shape.
• These findings aid in precise facial nerve localization, potentially improving surgical outcomes.