The relationship between the mastoid triangle and localization of the Asterion

Abstract

Objectives: The relationship between the mastoid triangle and the localization of the Asterion can be used in craniotomy and posterolateral surgical approaches. Therefore, we aimed to identify the relationship between the localization of the Asterion and mastoid triangle in dry skulls and its effect on surgery. Methods: Our study was performed on 93 adult skulls obtained from bone collections of the Anatomy Departments of Necmettin Erbakan University and Akdeniz University. The mastoid triangle, Asterion and linear distances between them were measured for to determine the localization of the Asterion. Results: The Asterion was located just above the Frankfurt horizontal plane on the left sides of the skulls in 54 (58.1%) specimens and on the right sides of the skulls in 71 (76.3%). It was located below the Frankfurt horizontal plane on the left sides of the skulls in 39 (41.9%) specimens; and on the right sides of the skulls in 19 (20.4%). There was a positive correlation between the distance of Asterion to apex of the mastoid process (r=0.832). Conclusion: The relationship between the mastoid process and the Asterion can be used for determination of the dural venous sinuses and neighboring neurovascular structures, in retrosigmoid posterolateral surgical approaches.