Paramedian Forehead Flap and Its Relationship with Supratrochlear Artery: A Cadaveric Study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between the supratrochlear artery (STA) and the medial canthus (MC) in fresh frozen cadavers. Methods: Eighteen fresh frozen cadaver heads (36 hemifaces) were dissected meticulously to explore the STA. After the STA was dissected, its relationship with medial canthus and its distance and location to an imaginary vertical line drawn vertically from the most medial point of the medial canthus were analyzed. Results: Out of 36 hemifaces, on 14 sides, the exit of the STA was just lateral but touching the vertical line at the MC. On 22 sides, the STA was located lateral to the vertical line. No STA was located medial to the vertical line. Conclusion: The MC was the most medial point for supratrochlear artery. Therefore, the medial canthus can be accepted as a reliable landmark for fap design. To be on the safe side, the fap medial arm should be designed a few milimeters medial to the MC.