Vol 69, No 1 (2010)
Original article
Submitted: 2012-02-06
Published online: 2010-03-09
Superficial temporal artery among Kenyans: pattern of branching and its relation to pericranial structures
P. Mwachaka, S. Sinkeet, J. Ogeng’o
Folia Morphol 2010;69(1):51-53.
Vol 69, No 1 (2010)
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Submitted: 2012-02-06
Published online: 2010-03-09
Abstract
The superficial temporal artery, one of the terminal branches of the external
carotid artery, is used for temporoparietal, parieto-occipital flaps and forehead
flaps in reconstructive surgery. The topographic anatomy of this artery exhibits
ethnic variations. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the branching pattern
of the superficial temporal artery and its relation to specified landmarks in
the pericranial region among Kenyans. Sixty superficial temporal arteries from
thirty adult cadavers (18 male, 12 female), obtained from the Department of
Human Anatomy, were examined during dissection. The number of branches
and pattern of branching of the superficial temporal artery was recorded. Specific
measurements were taken from the branching point to the lateral canthus,
tragus, and midpoint of the arch of the zygoma. Classical bifurcation into
a parietal and a frontal branch was seen in 16 (53.3%) cases. Double frontal
and double parietal branches were reported in 26.7% and 13.3% of cases,
respectively. Only two cases had a trifurcation. The point of origin of the branches
in most cases (80%) was above the arch of the zygoma. The mean distance to
the midpoint of the arch of the zygoma was 50.8 ± 20.9 mm, to the lateral
canthus 58.6 ± 24.3 mm, and to the tragus 44.1 ± 18.5 mm. The branching
pattern among Kenyans, therefore, differs from the classical descriptions.
A good understanding of the forehead vascularity aids in the design of flaps
and minimizes postoperative complications.
Folia Morphol 2010; 69, 1: 51-53
Abstract
The superficial temporal artery, one of the terminal branches of the external
carotid artery, is used for temporoparietal, parieto-occipital flaps and forehead
flaps in reconstructive surgery. The topographic anatomy of this artery exhibits
ethnic variations. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the branching pattern
of the superficial temporal artery and its relation to specified landmarks in
the pericranial region among Kenyans. Sixty superficial temporal arteries from
thirty adult cadavers (18 male, 12 female), obtained from the Department of
Human Anatomy, were examined during dissection. The number of branches
and pattern of branching of the superficial temporal artery was recorded. Specific
measurements were taken from the branching point to the lateral canthus,
tragus, and midpoint of the arch of the zygoma. Classical bifurcation into
a parietal and a frontal branch was seen in 16 (53.3%) cases. Double frontal
and double parietal branches were reported in 26.7% and 13.3% of cases,
respectively. Only two cases had a trifurcation. The point of origin of the branches
in most cases (80%) was above the arch of the zygoma. The mean distance to
the midpoint of the arch of the zygoma was 50.8 ± 20.9 mm, to the lateral
canthus 58.6 ± 24.3 mm, and to the tragus 44.1 ± 18.5 mm. The branching
pattern among Kenyans, therefore, differs from the classical descriptions.
A good understanding of the forehead vascularity aids in the design of flaps
and minimizes postoperative complications.
Folia Morphol 2010; 69, 1: 51-53
Keywords
superficial temporal artery; Kenyans; reconstructive surgery
Title
Superficial temporal artery among Kenyans: pattern of branching and its relation to pericranial structures
Journal
Folia Morphologica
Issue
Vol 69, No 1 (2010)
Article type
Original article
Pages
51-53
Published online
2010-03-09
Page views
1430
Article views/downloads
1279
Bibliographic record
Folia Morphol 2010;69(1):51-53.
Keywords
superficial temporal artery
Kenyans
reconstructive surgery
Authors
P. Mwachaka
S. Sinkeet
J. Ogeng’o
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