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The fallopian canal: a comprehensive review and proposal of a new classification

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An Erratum to this article was published on 28 January 2014

Abstract

Introduction

The facial nerve follows a complex course through the skull base. Understanding its anatomy is crucial during standard skull base approaches and resection of certain skull base tumors closely related to the nerve, especially, tumors at the cerebellopontine angle.

Methods

Herein, we review the fallopian canal and its implications in surgical approaches to the skull base. Furthermore, we suggest a new classification.

Conclusions

Based on the anatomy and literature, we propose that the meatal segment of the facial nerve be included as a component of the fallopian canal. A comprehensive knowledge of the course of the facial nerve is important to those who treat patients with pathology of or near this cranial nerve.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children’s of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA

    M. M. Mortazavi, B. Latif, K. Verma, N. Adeeb, A. Deep & C. J. Griessenauer

  2. Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George’s University, True Blue, Grenada

    R. S. Tubbs

  3. Division of Neurological Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA

    T. Fukushima

  4. Centre of Anatomy and Human Identification, Dundee University, Dundee, UK

    R. S. Tubbs

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  1. M. M. Mortazavi
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  2. B. Latif
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  3. K. Verma
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  4. N. Adeeb
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  5. A. Deep
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Correspondence to R. S. Tubbs.

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Mortazavi, M.M., Latif, B., Verma, K. et al. The fallopian canal: a comprehensive review and proposal of a new classification. Childs Nerv Syst 30, 387–395 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-013-2332-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-013-2332-0

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