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Osteologic classification of the sphenopalatine foramen
1Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, London, United Kingdom.
The Laryngoscope
|January 31, 1998
Summary
The sphenopalatine foramen (SPF) opening into the nasal cavity is often misdescribed. A new classification based on 238 nasal walls reveals varied SPF osteology, impacting blood supply and surgical approaches.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- Traditional descriptions place the sphenopalatine foramen (SPF) superior to the middle turbinate.
- This common anatomical description may not reflect the majority of cases.
- The SPF is a critical route for nasal cavity blood supply.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the precise anatomical location and osteological classification of the sphenopalatine foramen (SPF) in relation to the nasal cavity.
- To challenge existing textbook descriptions of SPF anatomy.
- To provide a new classification for the sphenopalatine foramen's osteology.
Main Methods:
- Examination of 238 lateral nasal walls.
- Detailed osteological analysis of the sphenopalatine foramen.
- Classification of SPF openings into the nasal meati.
Main Results:
- A novel classification of sphenopalatine foramen (SPF) osteology was proposed based on 238 lateral nasal walls.
- Class I (35%): SPF opens solely into the superior meatus.
- Class II (56%): SPF spans the ethmoidal crest, opening into superior and middle meati.
- Class III (9%): Two separate SPF openings into superior and middle meati.
Conclusions:
- The anatomical description of the sphenopalatine foramen (SPF) opening requires revision.
- Findings explain arterial supply variations to the inferior turbinate.
- Highlights the need for caution when operating near the posterior middle turbinate.
- Suggests potential intranasal sites for managing severe epistaxis.
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