Supratrochlear artery

Abstract

Introduction. The supratrochlear artery (STA) is a small vessel with a relatively tiny and quite constant course. The literature describing the STA fails to provide a collective description of the anatomy and neurosurgical applications of the STA. Therefore, we are here to present an overview of anatomy, anatomical variability, and the clinical application of STA. Method. We conducted a literature review in Google Scholar and PubMed medical databases to review the existing studies on STA regarding its anatomy and neurosurgical applications. Results. We identified 18 articles that discuss the anatomical variations and neurosurgical applications of the STA. Certain parameters are used to describe the surgical anatomy of STA, including origin, course, diameter, branches, depth, and distance in relation to the midline and vertical glabellar line. We also discussed certain applications of STA and its importance in neurosurgical reconstruction flaps and the diagnosis of carotid artery disease. Conclusion. Comparable to the supraorbital artery (SOA), the STA is less variable in its anatomical course, and exhibits a more superficial course. The STA has certain important neurosurgical applications through its involvement in reconstruction flaps for the skull base and plays an important role in the diagnosis of carotid artery disease.

Keywords

• supratrochlear artery
• supraorbital artery
• angular artery