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Updated: May 23, 2026
08:03
Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
Age-dependent differences of the anterior skull base
Christian Güldner1, Annette P Zimmermann, Isabell Diogo
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Baldingerstrasse, UKGM, Marburg, Germany. gueldner@staff.uni-marburg.de
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|March 27, 2012
Summary
Imaging the anterior skull base is crucial for sinus surgery. This study found significant age-dependent differences in anatomical landmarks and angles, impacting risk profiles for children versus adults.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Radiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Anterior skull base and paranasal sinus imaging is vital for surgical planning.
- Identifying anatomical variations, such as the "dangerous ethmoid," is key to preventing surgical complications like bleeding or brain injury.
- Understanding age-dependent differences in these anatomical variations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze anatomical parameters of the anterior skull base and paranasal sinuses.
- To investigate age-dependent differences in these anatomical variations.
- To assess the utility of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in identifying individual anatomical-radiological risk profiles.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 865 patients (116 pediatric, 749 adult).
- Analysis of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data.
- Evaluation of Keros type, anterior ethmoid artery course, uncinate process course, and olfactory fossa angle.
Main Results:
- Significant age-dependent differences were observed in the frequencies of uncinate process and anterior ethmoid artery courses.
- Frequencies of olfactory fossa height (Keros types) differed significantly between age groups.
- The angle of the ethmoid roof varied significantly based on anterior ethmoid artery course and olfactory fossa height, with age-related differences noted.
Conclusions:
- Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) effectively assesses anterior skull base anatomy and identifies the "dangerous ethmoid."
- Significant age-dependent variations in anatomical landmarks and ethmoid roof angles create distinct risk profiles for pediatric and adult patients.
- This imaging approach aids in personalized surgical risk assessment for anterior skull base and paranasal sinus procedures.
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