From the Research
The distance between the anterior ethmoid artery and the anterior lacrimal crest is approximately 20 mm, as reported in the most recent and highest quality study 1. This measurement is clinically significant for surgeons performing endoscopic sinus surgery, particularly when operating in the anterior ethmoid region. The anterior ethmoid artery typically traverses the anterior ethmoid foramen, which is located at the frontoethmoidal suture line. From this point, it courses through the anterior ethmoid air cells before entering the anterior cranial fossa. Understanding this anatomical relationship is crucial because inadvertent injury to the anterior ethmoid artery during surgery can lead to significant hemorrhage and potential complications such as orbital hematoma or cerebrospinal fluid leak. Some studies have reported varying distances, such as 24 mm 2, 24-30 mm 3, but the most recent study 1 found an average distance of 20 mm. Surgeons often use the anterior lacrimal crest as a reliable anatomical landmark when navigating this region, making this distance an important reference measurement for safe dissection and to avoid vascular injury during procedures involving the medial orbital wall or ethmoid sinuses. Key points to consider include:
- The average distance from the anterior lacrimal crest to the anterior ethmoid artery is 20 mm 1
- The anterior ethmoid artery is located immediately anterior to, at, or immediately posterior to the superior attachment of the basal lamella 4
- The distance between the anterior ethmoid artery and the posterior ethmoid artery is approximately 14.9 mm 4
- The posterior ethmoid artery is either anterior to or at the anterior face of the sphenoid sinus 4