Basal extension of craniotomy for subtemporal middle fossa approach.

Resection of the root of the zygomatic arch including the glenoid fossa, and the roof of the external ear and the superior third of the mastoid process was seen to improve the basal exposure of the lateral subtemporal middle fossa approach. The exposure was horizontally wide. The enhanced exposure helped in reducing the extent of brain retraction that was necessary and improved the working space for manipulation of the instruments.