Anterolateral Surgical Triangle of the Cavernous Sinus: A Cadaveric Study of Neurosurgical Importance

Abstract

Abstract Background The anterolateral triangle around the cavernous sinus is a surgical skull base triangle used as a neurosurgical landmark essential to skull-based surgeries. There are few reports of its measurements with little attention paid to anatomic variations. Methodology: A total of 15 adult human cadaveric skulls were dissected to expose the anterolateral triangle on both sides. The triangle was defined and measurements of the three borders were taken precisely and the area of each triangle was calculated using Heron’s formula. Results On an average, the length of the anteromedial border is 11.4 (+ 2.2 mm); the length of the posteromedial border is 8.7 (+ 2.6 mm); the length of the lateral border is 13.06 (+ 2.6 mm) and the area of the anterolateral triangle is 48.05 (+ 17.5 mm2). Conclusion Advanced brain surgery is moving toward the endovascular and radiosurgery approach, due to the high level of safety and quick recovery times. We anticipate that our findings will extend the understanding of these cavernous triangles and associated structures in radiology, anatomy education, and surgical training.