Anatomy of the Petrosphenoidal Ligament and Its Relationship with the Abducens Nerve in Newborn Cadavers.

Aim: To examine the anatomy of the petrosphenoidal ligament (PSL), and its relationship with the abducens nerve (AN) in newborn cadavers.

Material and methods: Using 10 formalin-fixed newborn cadavers, 20 PSLs and ANs on both sides were examined. The structure of each PSL, its morphometric features, and its relationship with the AN were evaluated. For the morphometric measurements, photographs were taken in macro mode and then the ImageJ program was used.

Results: The PSL was usually shaped like a butterfly. The structures of all the ligaments were complete. The PSL was attached to the petrous apex posteriorly and to the clivus or posterior clinoid process (PCP) anteriorly. The mean PSL length was 6.58 ± 1.4 mm. The mean width of the ligament's attachment to the petrous apex was 3.12 ± 0.63 mm. The mean width of the ligament's attachment to the PCP or clivus was 3.12 ± 0.5 mm. The AN was located below the PSL in all the samples. It was usually situated in the 1/3 lateral part under the PSL (70%). The mean diameter of the AN, as located under the ligament, was 0.8 ± 0.12 mm.

Conclusion: The PSL serves as an important anatomical landmark in the petroclival region. In addition, AN is closely adjacent to many anatomical structures such as the trigeminal nerve and internal carotid artery. The increased knowledge obtained through this study on newborn cadavers concerning the anatomy of the PSL and its relationship with the AN will help increase the success of surgical procedures and reduce surgical complications.