Olfactory Fossa and New Angle Measurements: Lateral Lamella-Cribriform Plate Angle.

OBJECTIVES

The authors investigated the olfactory fossa (OF) in patients with unilateral nasal septal deviation (NSD) and presented the lateral lamella-cribriform plate angle (LLCPA).

METHODS

Paranasal sinus computed tomography images of 300 adult subjects with unilateral NSD (111 males, 189 females) were evaluated retrospectively. Septal deviation angle (SDA), Keros Classification, OF depth and width, LLCPA; and orbital plate and cribriform plate (OPCP) distance were measured.

RESULTS

The OF depth values (ipsilateral, contralateral) were found as Keros III >Keros II >Keros I (Padjusted <0.0175). The OF width values (ipsilateral) were detected as Keros I >Keros II and Keros I >Keros III (Padjusted <0.0175). In patients with higher SDA values, ipsilateral OF depth values decreased (P <0.05). The LLCPA and OPCP values were higher in Keros I and lower in Keros III (P <0.05).

CONCLUSION

In patients with lower LLCPA and OPCP, endoscopic sinus surgery will be more dangerous for trauma to lateral lamella and intracranial penetration.