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J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2016; 77(03): 260-264
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1567863
Original Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Surgical Approaches to the Jugular Foramen: A Comprehensive Review

Christoph J. Griessenauer
1   Division of Neurosurgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
,
Benjamin McGrew
2   Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, United States
,
Petru Matusz
3   Department of Anatomy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
,
Raffaele De Caro
4   Institute of Human Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
,
Marios Loukas
5   Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, St George's University, Grenada, West Indies
,
R. Shane Tubbs
6   Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

06 May 2015

05 October 2015

Publication Date:
16 November 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Introduction Multiple surgical approaches and combinations thereof have been described to gain access to the jugular foramen. In an area laden with important neurovascular structures, care must be taken in choosing the best surgical approach for treatment of rare pathologies involving this region.

Methods This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of the relevant anatomy along with an overview of the various approaches to the jugular foramen. In an attempt to simplify the various concepts, we propose a basic distinction into anterolateral and posterolateral approaches based on the main trajectory targeting the jugular foramen.

Conclusion The anatomy surrounding the jugular foramen is exceedingly complex and requires in-depth understanding of skull base and head and neck relationships.

Keywords

jugular foramen - skull base - posterior fossa - neurosurgery
 

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