The rule of five: A novel anatomical landmark for approaching cavernous sinus content

Abstract

Background: The main objective of this study is to enhance neurosurgeons’ anatomical knowledge by providing specific anatomical references of the cavernous sinus (CS). However, it is essential to clarify that our study does not seek to establish an absolute intraoperative rule due to the inherent anatomical variability that must be considered. Methods: Fifty-three cadaveric specimens were procured from the Forensic Institute (Bogotá) and subjected to dissection through an extradural approach. The measurements were taken in two distinct phases. The first phase involved the measurement of various anatomical structures in 25 specimens with respect to the anterior and posterior clinoids. The second phase, which was conducted 5 years later, involved the measurement of the distance between the foramen rotundum and the foramen ovale in 28 specimens using the L&W tools microcaliper. Results: In 25 specimens, a perpendicular imaginary line was drawn from the lateral tip of the anterior clinoid to the floor of the medial fossa. This facilitated access to the Parkinson’s triangle, which is located between the IV cranial nerve and the ophthalmic V1 nerve, revealing a constant distance of 5 mm between the lateral tip of the anterior clinoid and the IV cranial nerve. Furthermore, in 28 specimens, the mean distance from the foramen rotundum to the foramen ovale was found to be 1.3 cm bilaterally. Conclusion: The rule of five is a valuable tool for comprehensively understanding the anatomy of the CS, providing a reference point for the different normal anatomical structures within the CS.