Factors affecting the location of sphenoid sinus ostium: a binary logistic regression analysis

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Anatomy
• Surgical Navigation

Background:

• The sphenoid sinus is anatomically close to critical structures, posing surgical risks.
• Understanding sphenoid sinus natural ostium (SSO) location is crucial for safe endoscopic sinus surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors influencing the sphenoid sinus natural ostium (SSO) location.
• To provide anatomical data for improving endoscopic sinus surgery techniques.

Main Methods:

• Computed tomography (CT) scans of 198 subjects (396 sides) were analyzed.
• Measurements included vertical and horizontal distances, SSO borders, and sphenoid sinus pneumatization (SSP) types (presellar, sellar, postsellar).
• Onodi cells presence and logistic regression were used to identify influencing factors.

Main Results:

• Increased rostrum width correlated with SSO lateralization (OR 4.902).
• Poststellar SSP type showed a trend towards SSO medialization compared to presellar type (OR 0.223).
• Onodi cells were significantly associated with a lower SSO position (OR 2.599).

Conclusions:

• Sphenoid sinus natural ostium (SSO) location is influenced by rostrum width and SSP type.
• Presellar types show lateralization with increased width; postsellar types show medialization with decreased width.
• Findings suggest potential for diversified surgical approaches to widen the SSO.