Extra middle turbinate lamellas: a suggested new classification

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Anatomy
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Knowledge of sinonasal anatomy is vital for safe endoscopic sinus surgery.
• While common middle turbinate variations are documented, rare variations require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise the nomenclature of extra middle turbinate lamella variations.
• To propose a simple classification system for these lamellas.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of endoscopic and 3D CT scans for patients with extra middle turbinate lamellas.
• Classification into four types based on uncinate process presence and morphology after literature review.

Main Results:

• Thirty extra middle turbinate lamellas identified in 22 subjects.
• Accessory middle turbinate was the most frequent variation.
• Associated findings included middle turbinate variations, nasal septum deviation, sinusitis, and hypoplastic maxillary sinus.

Conclusions:

• Extra middle turbinate lamellas are rare anatomical variations diagnosable via endoscopy and CT.
• These lamellas can be linked to mucosal pathologies and other common sinonasal variations.
• Standardized terminology is essential for further research and to prevent surgical confusion.