Anatomical variations in superior attachment of uncinate process and localization of frontal sinus outflow tract

Arun G.; Sanu P. Moideen; Mohan M.; Khizer Hussain Afroze M.; Aparna S. Thampy

doi:10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20160077

Authors

Arun G. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumakuru, Karnataka, India
Sanu P. Moideen Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumakuru, Karnataka, India
Mohan M. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumakuru, Karnataka, India
Khizer Hussain Afroze M. Department of Anatomy Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumakuru, Karnataka, India
Aparna S. Thampy Department of Dentistry, Padmavathy Medical Foundation, Kollam, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20160077

Keywords:

Frontal recess, Uncinate process, FESS, OMC, Sinusitis

Abstract

Background: Uncinate process (UP) is a part of ethmoid bone, which is a thin sickle shaped projection on the lateral wall of nose. UP extends from the frontal recess superiorly and inferiorly to the ethmoid process of inferior turbinate. Various studies have shown that superior attachment of uncinate process (SAUP) is the key to frontal recess region in endoscopic sinus surgeries (ESS). But these studies have yielded conflicting results, showing multiple patterns and classifications of superior attachment of uncinate process. Knowing the anatomic variations of SAUP will help the surgeon to plan the endoscopic sinus surgery and to avoid the unwanted complications. Hence this study was conducted to observe and classify the superior attachment of uncinate process and to localize the frontal sinus outflow tract.

Methods: We did a retrospective cross sectional study, consisting of 100 patients including both sexes, above the age of 10 years. We excluded pregnant ladies, patients with prior sinus surgeries, sinonasal tumours, nasal polyposis, and craniofacial trauma.

Results: We observed Type I SAUP, in 67.5% (n=135) cases, Type II SAUP in 18.5% (n=37), Type III attachment in 9.5% (n =19) and Type IV in 4.5% (n=9). Bilaterally similar attachments observed in 96% cases. Rest of the cases (4%), the attachment patterns was varying between sides.

Conclusions: The site of SAUP is highly variable. The most common type of SAUP is Type I (67.5%) followed by Type II (18.5%), Type III (9.5%) and Type IV (4.5%).

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Author Biography

Arun G., Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumakuru, Karnataka, India

Senior Resident, Department of ENT

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