Applied anatomy in vestibular schwannoma

Knowledge of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and temporal bone anatomy is critical in understanding the clinical features of vestibular schwannomas (VS) as well as the choice of surgical approach when considering resection. We describe relevant anatomy, concentrating on structures that are clinically important and how variations in these structures impact surgical management. This includes the changes in anatomy with VS growth due to compression of surrounding structures and their clinical relevance. There is a detailed description of the anatomy of translabyrinthine, middle fossa and retrosigmoid approaches, including both anatomical illustrations and relevant imaging to allow the reader to develop a full understanding and aid in selection of the most appropriate approach for individual tumors in their clinical practice.