Anatomic Study Quantifying the Relationship Between the Arcuate Eminence and the Root of the Zygoma: Application to Skull Base Surgery

Objective The aim of this study was to define the structural relationship between the arcuate eminence (AE) and a known fixed external bony landmark, the root of the zygoma (ZR), and to determine its reliability as a consistent guide for guiding surgical approaches. To our knowledge, this is the only anatomical study to quantify the relationship between the AE and the ZR. Method Twenty-one dry temporal bones were measured using digital calipers. The distance from the posterior aspect of the ZR to the midpoint of the AE was measured. Additionally, the anteroposterior distance between the ZR and AE and vertical distance between the two structures were measured. Student's t-test was used to compare the left and right sides. Result An AE was found in every specimen. The mean ZR to AE distance was 30.9 mm. On most sides (91%), the ZR was located more inferiorly than the AE with a mean distance of 3 mm between the two structures. The mean distance between the AE and ZR was 17 mm. On all sides, the AE was located posterior to the ZR. No significant differences were found between sides. No anatomical variations or pathological conditions were noted in any of the specimens. Conclusion The ZR is an easily identifiable and consistent bony landmark often used by skull base surgeons. In this investigation, we measured the anatomical relationships between the ZR and AE. Such data might assist in planning surgical trajectories and minimizing complications when skull base pathologies are approached.