Mobilization of the Lateral Buttress of the Maxilla to Connect the Infratemporal Fossa and the Buccal Space during Sublabial Transmaxillary Approaches.

This article, published in the Journal of Neurological Surgery, discusses a novel surgical technique for accessing tumors in the infratemporal fossa (ITF) that extend into the buccal space. Traditionally, a sublabial incision is made to expose the anterior wall of the maxilla, and the ITF is accessed by opening the maxillary sinus walls. However, this approach limits visibility and makes dissection behind the lateral buttress of the maxilla challenging. The authors describe a new technique involving osteotomies in the lateral buttress of the maxilla, allowing for a wider exposure of the ITF and buccal space. This approach improves visualization, safety, and the feasibility of removing large tumors. [Extracted from the article]