Localization of the Zygomaticotemporal Foramen on the Zygomatic Bone and Its Relationship with other Foramina

Background: The zygomaticotemporal foramen (ZTF) is located in the temporal surface of the zygomat-ic bone. The zygomaticotemporal branch, a zygomatic nerve (V2) branch, passes through it and distrib-utes in the forehead and temporal region. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of ZTF and its connections with other foramina in the zygomatic bone. Materials and Methods: A total of 171 unilateral zygomatic bones in the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University were included in our study. The number(s) of ZTF and its relationship with other foramina were determined. The distances between the ZTF and the marginal tubercle and frontozygomatic suture were measured. Results: A total of 328 ZTFs were found in 171 zygomatic bones. In total, 95 of the 328 ZTFs were found to be connected to other foramina through a canal. The vertical distance between the ZTF and the marginal tubercle as well as the frontozygomatic suture were measured as mean 9.26+2.12mm and 21.78+2.48mm, respectively. The transverse distance from the ZTF and the marginal tubercle was measured as 5.46+1.56mm. Conclusions: he ZTF is an important anatomical component with implications for interventions on the zygomatic bone. The incidence and location of the ZTF may differ between individuals and between one side of the same individual. It has provided plastic surgeons and anaesthetists with detailed ana-tomical findings for the protection of the zygomaticotemporal nerves passing through the relevant foramen and thus at risk of injury. Keywords: Zygomaticotemporal foramen, Zygomatic bone, Marginal tubercle, Frontozygomatic suture