6533b82cfe1ef96bd128f432

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Contribution de l’artère auriculaire postérieure à la vascularisation du nerf facial dans l’espace préstylien : étude anatomique et conséquences chirurgicales

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INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to establish a systematization of collateral branches originating from posterior auricular artery to facial nerve in prestylian space. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty posterior auricular arteries were studied on 15 fresh cadavers after selective patent blue injection. We observed subsequent colouration of facial nerve. Number and topography of collateral branches were highlighted. RESULTS: Posterior auricular artery supplied facial nerve in 67%. Collateral branches dedicated to facial nerve could be classified into three types: type 1 corresponded to one artery in prestylian space, type 2 to several branches in prestylian space; finally type 3 featured several branches originating from posterior auricular artery in prestylian space on the one hand, in superficial retroauricular area on the other hand. CONCLUSION: Posterior auricular artery is the main blood supply to facial nerve in prestylian space. In most of the cases, branches to facial nerve originate deeply in parotid space. Nevertheless nervous branches may originate from superficial retroauricular segment of posterior auricular artery. Their damage during surgical procedures as bat ear surgery can cause definitive facial nerve palsy.