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Supratrochlear Artery

arteria supratrochlearis

The supratrochlear artery is a terminal branch of the ophthalmic artery that exits the orbit at the superomedial orbital rim alongside the supratrochlear nerve to supply the skin of the medial forehead, the glabella, and the root of the nose. It anastomoses with the supraorbital artery laterally and with the contralateral supratrochlear artery medially, forming the supraorbital arcade that supplies the forehead and anterior scalp.

Region: Head & Skull

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The supratrochlear artery is the pedicle for the paramedian forehead flap, the gold standard reconstructive option for large nasal defects after Mohs surgery for skin cancer. The flap captures this artery as it exits the superomedial orbit, using it to supply a skin island from the ipsilateral forehead that is rotated on a narrow pedicle to reach the nose. The pedicle is divided at 3 weeks after the distal flap has taken. The supratrochlear artery is the internal carotid territory collateral that may reverse-fill the ophthalmic artery in ICA occlusion.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Paramedian Forehead Flap Based on Supratrochlear Artery

The supratrochlear artery exiting the superomedial orbital rim provides the axial pedicle for the paramedian forehead flap, supplying the contralateral forehead skin from the midline to the hairline; the flap provides ideal colour-matched skin for nasal reconstruction and is the workhorse flap for subtotal nasal defects after ablative cancer surgery.