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Computed tomography-generated templates: a new approach to frontal sinus osteoplastic flap surgery
John L Fewins1, Pamela M Otto, Randal A Otto
1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA.
Background:
The aim of this study was to present a new technique for frontal sinus template creation used in osteoplastic flap surgery, obviating the need for the traditional 6-ft Caldwell radiograph.
Methods:
Seventeen human cadaver skulls were studied prospectively. Using digital addition algorithms of sequential coronal computed tomography (CT) images of the frontal sinus to create a composite image, an image is printed to 1 cm = 1 cm scale. A frontal sinus template was created using this processed image and compared with a control 6-ft Caldwell radiograph.
Results:
The mean variance between corresponding vertical points on the templates was 0.71 mm (95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.87 mm). The mean variance between horizontal points was 1.11 mm (95% confidence interval, 0.97-1.28 mm). The mean difference in width was 2.46 mm. The plain film templates were always wider than the CT-generated templates.
Conclusion:
The CT-generated frontal sinus templates are virtually identical to the Caldwell radiograph-derived templates. They may obviate the need for additional imaging and minimize the potential errors commonly associated with 6-ft Caldwell templates.