A comparative anatomical study evaluating transcranial and transorbital corridors to key parasellar and orbital apex targets.

Şahin, Vergili, Kartum, Karakurt, Türk and Tanrıöver compared a cranio-orbito-zygomatic transsylvian route with a transorbital corridor to the superior orbital fissure, orbital apex, clinoidal space and suprasellar cisterns.

The transorbital approach provided a short, direct trajectory to the superior orbital fissure, orbital apex and anteromedial cavernous sinus region. Exposure of the para-chiasmatic suprasellar cisterns was comparable in selected regions, whereas the transsylvian route offered more favorable access to the chiasmatic and lamina terminalis cisterns.

Why it matters

This work is useful for understanding the complementary anatomical strengths and limitations of transorbital and traditional transcranial skull-base corridors. It supports tailored approach selection rather than a one-size-fits-all strategy.

Reference

Şahin ÖF, Vergili E, Kartum TA, Karakurt MT, Türk O, Tanrıöver N.
Comparative Analysis of Cranio-Orbito-Zygomatic and Transorbital Routes to the Superior Orbital Fissure, Orbital Apex, Clinoidal Space, and Suprasellar Cisterns.
Medical Research Reports. 2026;9(3):180–192. Published October 17, 2026.
DOI: 10.55517/mrr.1985034