[Imaging classification for horizontal segment of uncinate process and its guiding significance in functional endoscopic sinus surgery].

OBJECTIVE

To explore a new method for horizontal segment of uncinate process classification from image of nasal sinus.

METHODS

On the level of horizontal segment of uncinate process of nasal sinus high resolution CT (HRCT) coronal scan. A vertical line and a parallel line were drawn started from the fornix top of the inferior meatus and orbital floor. The uncinate process which suited in the 'Cross' regional was divided into four types by these lines. These were: intra-superior, intra-inferior and extra-superior, extra-inferior. According to this method, 119 patients with chronic sinusitis which were divided into these four types by the imaging classification for horizontal segment of uncinate process operated by functional endoscopic sinus surgery, and the treatment effects and the postoperative complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

These 119 chronic sinusitis patients (238 sides uncinated process) were divided into four types by the imaging classification for uncinated process. The amount of intra-superior types was 66.0% (157/238), the amount of intra-inferior types was 16.8% (40/238), the amount of extra-superior types was 13.9% (33/238), and the amount of extra-inferior types was 3.4% (8/238). Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed according to this classification. All maxillary sinus natural ostium were found. Two cases occured orbital board damage (one was intra-superior, the other was extra-inferior).

CONCLUSION

The imaging classification for horizontal segment of uncinate process demonstrates a guiding significance for us to predict the difficulty of the operation and prevent the complications.