Objective: The hemicraniectomy is a common technique used in a variety of pathologies including some traumatic brain injury and malignant stroke. A novel technique of performing hemicraniectomies using a retro-auricular incision can avoid transgressing the temporalis muscle and superficial temporal artery while providing adequate hemicranial exposure.
Methods: This technique was reproduced in a skull base lab using a cadaveric head. The key steps of this approach were illustrated in step-by-step fashion. A post-approach CT scan of the cadaver was performed to evaluate the decompression exposure.
Results: This approach can provide sufficient middle fossa decompression and area of exposure, while preserving the temporalis along with the superficial temporal artery. A step-by-step technical illustration is demonstrated in the present note.
Conclusions: The modified retro-auricular myocutaneous flap is a novel technique in hemicraniectomy which can provide sufficient middle fossa decompression and exposure while sparing the temporalis muscle and superficial temporal artery during the approach.
Keywords: Decompressive craniectomy; Hemicraniectomy; Neurosurgery.
© 2023 The Authors.