Table 1 Summary of the most common methods in identifying the facial nerve trunk.

   • Temporomandibular joint

   • Retromandibular vein

   • Use nerve stimulator

   • Mastoid process

   • Tragal pointer

   • Use of nerve monitor

   • Angle of the mandible

   • Tympanomastoid fissure

   • Transverse process of the axis

   • Styloid process

   • Posterior belly of the Digastric

   • Retograde dissection of a Peripheral branch to the main trunk

   • Temporoparotid facia

   • Extension of dissection from the vertical portion of the facial nerve within the mastoid (diagastric ridge)