Surgical Approaches to the Thalamus in Relation to the White Matter Tracts of the Cerebrum

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Approaching the thalamus from any angle remains a challenge because of its deep-seated location and intimate relations with adjacent important neurovascular structures and functions such as relaying sensory and motor signals and cognition. Our aim was to explore the relationship of the white matter tracts of the cerebrum to the thalamus using a fiber dissection technique, to delineate anatomic principles of approaches to the thalamus, and to discuss the tracts at risk in relation to each approach. METHODS: The thalamus was subdivided into 6 different regions and 13 approaches were examined in an attempt to describe a surgical road map. RESULTS: To reach the anteroinferior, medial, and lateral parts of the thalamus, the anterior and middle group approaches were used, and to reach the posterosuperior and posteroinferior thalamus, posterior and middle group approaches were used. The anteroinferior zone was the most difficult site to be accessed and the posterosuperior thalamus had the maximum number of alternative approaches. The distal transsylvian approach to the posterosuperior thalamus and the supracarotid infrafrontal approach to the anteroinferior thalamus had the highest number of neural structures severed within the surgical corridor. The infratentorial approaches and the suboccipital transtentorial approach preserve most of the white matter tracts en route to the posterosuperior and medial posteroinferior parts of the thalamus. CONCLUSIONS: When the surgical approaches for thalamic lesions are defined, white matter tracts along the surgical route should be taken into consideration.