The Relationship Between the Pneumatization Patterns of the Frontal Sinus, Crista Galli and Nasal Septum: A Tomography Study.

AIM: To provide detailed information about anterior skull base anatomy.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

In terms of gender and laterality, the drainage pathways and anatomical variations of the frontal sinus, crista galli and nasal septum in 402 patients were evaluated via computed tomography scans.

RESULTS

The pneumatization patterns of the frontal sinus were as follows: absent, 3.7%; unilateral, 8%; bilateral, 75.1% and triple, 13.2%. The pneumatized crista galli was identified in 120 (29.8%) patients, and its drainage pathway was observed in 54.1% of patients. The sinus septi nasi was identified in 92 (22.8%) and its drainage pathway was observed in 16.3%. The prevalences of the position types of crista galli regarding the cribriform plate were as follows; type I, 18.3%; type II, 64.9%; type III, 16.8%.

CONCLUSION

Despite meticulous knowledge of anatomy, preoperative radiologic evaluation creates the base for successful treatment of anterior skull base pathologies with safer and effective surgery.