Anatomical study of the internal nasal branch of the infraorbital nerve: application to minimizing nerve damage with surgery in and around the nose

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The internal nasal branch of the infraorbital nerve runs down the nose and around the ala to be distributed to the nasal septum and vestibule. The aim of this study was to measure the internal nasal branch around the ala of the nose and discuss its possible relevance in clinical/surgical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve sides from seven specimens derived from fresh frozen and embalmed Caucasian cadaveric heads were dissected. The specimens included three males and four females. The ages of the cadavers at death ranged from 65 to 84 years. The diameter of the internal nasal branch, horizontal distance from the lateral contour of the ala (Point A) to the branch (distance H) and vertical distance from the bottom part of the ala (Point B) to the branch (distance V) were recorded. RESULTS Distance H ranged from -1.6 to 1.5mm on right sides and -1.0 to 1.5mm on left sides. The diameter of the nerves at Point A ranged from 1.3 to 1.8mm on right sides and 1.3 to 1.6mm on left sides. Distance V ranged from -1.5 to 1.0mm on right sides and -2.3 to 1.1mm on left sides. The diameter of the nerves at Point B ranged from 0.7 to 1.3mm on right sides and 0.8 to 1.2mm on left sides. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study are the first to detail the topography of the internal nasal branch of the infraorbital nerve. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2qlLGI1