Is the course of the cervicofacial division of the facial nerve consistent with the adjacent vessels?

Abstract

Abstract Individual facial nerve branching patterns can be difficult to predict. The superficial course of its terminal branches poses them at risk of injury during head and neck surgeries. We report the rare course of a branch of the facial nerve deep into the posterior facial vein.

Keywords

• aberrancy
• facial nerve
• neck dissection
• parotid surgery