Orbitozygomatic Transmandibular Approach to the Infratemporal Fossa in Pediatric Patients: Use of the Craniofacial Armamentarium

Abstract

The infratemporal fossa is an anatomically complex space at the intersection between the face, neck, and intracranial space. Tumors of the infratemporal fossa are rare, especially in the pediatric population, but when present their pathologies are often such that they benefit from surgical ablation prior to adjuvant chemo- and radio-therapies. Consequent to their training and surgical armamentarium, craniofacial surgeons have an intimate knowledge of this anatomy, and a unique skill set to approach and access this area. In this case series we present 2 pediatric patients with infratemporal fossa tumors which were successfully resected via a lateral orbitozygomatic transmandibular approach.