Technical note: Orbitozygomatic craniotomy using an ultrasonic osteotome for precise osteotomies

Background The orbitozygomatic craniotomy is a fundamental procedure in neurosurgery, allowing access to orbital and skull base pathology. Objective Determine the feasibility of using an ultrasonic osteotome to safely perform orbitozygomatic osteotomies in patients with intracranial pathology. Methods The medical records of patients undergoing orbitozygomatic craniotomy using an ultrasonic osteotome (Aesculap BoneScalpel™) for tumor resection at Johns Hopkins Hospital between November 2009 and March 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Results Six patients underwent orbitozygomatic craniotomy for tumor resection using an ultrasonic osteotome at the Johns Hopkins Hospital during the study period. All patients were female and the average age was 53.2 years. Patients were followed for an average of 375 days. There were two cases of transient diplopia. There were no cases of periorbital violation, orbital injury, enophthalmos, or orbital hematoma. Post-operative imaging showed the cuts were well opposed and no cosmetic issues were encountered. Conclusion Use of an ultrasonic osteotome allows for precise cuts under direct visualization with minimal risk to critical adjacent structures in our cohort of patients undergoing a two-piece orbitozygomatic craniotomy. This appears to be a safe instrument for osteotomy creation in skull base approaches.