Microsurgical anatomy of the region of Dorello's canal / 安徽医科大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective　To provide microanatomic basis for direct microsurgical operation on the region of Dorello's canal. Methods　The structures of the region of Dorellos canal were observed and measured on 30 sides of adult cadaverical heads under microscope. Results　①Dorello's canal was an osteofibrous canal composed of Gruber ligament, petrous apex and the lateral border of the upper part of clivus. The roof of Dorello's canal was mainly composed of Gruber ligament. The maximal distance from roof to bottom of Dorello's canal was 2.14 mm±0.70 mm. ②Abducens nerves passed through the lateral 1/3(56.7%) or intermedial 1/3(43.3%) of Dorello's canal to the cavernous sinus. The nutrient arteries of abducens nerves were originated from the dorsal meningeal arteries, and 83.3% of them traversed Dorello's canal by one stem, medially to abducens nerves. ③The point of abducens nerves entering cavernous sinus was 3.97 mm±1.83 mm posterior to the ascending portion of intracavernous carotid artery, 3.11 mm±0.95 mm medial to the Meckel's cave. Conclusion　In the region of Dorello's canal, the positions of abducens nerves and their nutrient arteries are steady, and they should be protected during operation.