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[Imaging classification for horizontal segment of uncinate process and its guiding significance in functional
Hua Zhang1, Suping Zhao1, Zhihai Xie1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Otorhinolaryngology Major Disease Research Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Changsha 410008, China.
Objective:
To explore a new method for horizontal segment of uncinate process classification from image of nasal sinus.
Methods:
On the level of horizontal segment of uncinate process of nasal sinus high resolution CT (HRCT) coronal scan. A vertical line and a parallel line were drawn started from the fornix top of the inferior meatus and orbital floor. The uncinate process which suited in the 'Cross' regional was divided into four types by these lines. These were: intra-superior, intra-inferior and extra-superior, extra-inferior. According to this method, 119 patients with chronic sinusitis which were divided into these four types by the imaging classification for horizontal segment of uncinate process operated by functional endoscopic sinus surgery, and the treatment effects and the postoperative complications were analyzed.
Results:
These 119 chronic sinusitis patients (238 sides uncinated process) were divided into four types by the imaging classification for uncinated process. The amount of intra-superior types was 66.0% (157/238), the amount of intra-inferior types was 16.8% (40/238), the amount of extra-superior types was 13.9% (33/238), and the amount of extra-inferior types was 3.4% (8/238). Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed according to this classification. All maxillary sinus natural ostium were found. Two cases occured orbital board damage (one was intra-superior, the other was extra-inferior).
Conclusion:
The imaging classification for horizontal segment of uncinate process demonstrates a guiding significance for us to predict the difficulty of the operation and prevent the complications.
