Identifying Great Auricular Nerve via Bony Landmarks: A Cadaver Study

Great Auricular Nerve (GAN) is the most commonly sacrificed nerve during rhydectomies due to anatomical variation and lack of a reliable landmark.1 Even though quality of life does not decrease, surgeons should strive to avoid iatrogenic injury to the nerve. The aim of this study is to utilize 2 bony landmarks for the GAN to determine which if there is a reliable, bony anatomical landmark during surgery, specifically calculating the ratio at which the angle of the mandible (gonion) and tip of the mastoid process bisect GAN.

Source: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - September 1, 2023 Category: ENT & OMF Authors: May Lin, Dale A. Baur, Guneet Singh Source Type: research