Extension of the one-piece orbitozygomatic frontotemporal approach to the glenoid fossa: cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE: Resection of the glenoid fossa has been described as part of cranial approaches to the clivus and subtemporal approaches. However, radical resection carries a significant risk of postoperative temporomandibular joint dysfunction. We examine a simple variation of our previously described one-piece frontotemporal orbitozygomatic (FTOZ) osteotomy that adds en bloc resection of the root of the zygomatic arch and a portion of the glenoid fossa.

METHODS: Five cadaveric fixed heads injected with colored silicone underwent an FTOZ osteotomy that extended to the root of the zygomatic arch and glenoid fossa.

RESULTS: A step-by-step guide to the surgical technique is described, with illustrations to depict the glenoid fossa keyhole and bony cuts that free the zygomatic arch and portions of glenoid fossa. The first cut was made through the posterior root, and the second cut was made through the anterior root of the zygomatic arch.

CONCLUSION: In this cadaveric study, extension of the one-piece FTOZ approach included the posterior root of the zygoma and the lateral part of the glenoid fossa. En bloc resection of the glenoid fossa and root of the zygomatic arch, together with the FTOZ osteotomy, facilitated reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint and increased the amount of exposure obtained with this FTOZ osteotomy. Comprehensive understanding of functional outcomes awaits further clinical study.