Article
Analysis of the anatomy of the inferior turbinate using Digital Volume Tomography (DVT)
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Published: | July 6, 2010 |
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Introduction: Sinc e the description of the anatomy of the inferior turbinate by Zuckerkandl other descriptions are rare and mostly based on cadaveric specimen. The dimensions of the inferior turbinate are analysed using the DVT data of the anterior skull base.
Patients and methods: The data of 100 patients were used who underwent a DVT scan (Accu-I-tomo, F17, Morita, Kyoto, Japan) of the anterior skull base. Measurements were performed at 4 different points of the sagittal course of the turbinate. The first one was at the anterior osseus border (M1), the last one at the posterior (M4). M2 and 3 were in between, dividing the distance in 3 identical parts. Height and thickness of the turbinate bone as well as the whole turbinate were measured at these 4 points. Addionally the length of the turbinate bone and the turbinate was analysed.
Results: The bony thickness was 0.9 mm (M1), 2.7 mm (M2), 2.3 mm (M3) and 1.1 mm (M4). The height of the bone was 3.9 mm (M1), 20.8 mm (M2), 13.7 mm (M3) and 4 mm (M4). The thickness of the whole inferior turbinate was 8.6 mm (M1), 8.1 mm (M2), 8.2 mm (M3) and 10.9 mm (M4). The length was 38.9 mm (turbinate bone) and 51 mm (inferior turbinate).
Conclusion: DVT is a useful tool to analyse the radiological anatomy oft he inferior turbinate. The findings reflect the “in-vivo-state” at the time of the examination. The knowledge of the anatical dimensions of the inferior turbinate can facilitate the planning of an adequate surgical treatment of the inferior turbinate in the context of endonasal sinus surgery.