Anatomic variations of the frontal sinus.
BACKGROUND
Minimally invasive approaches are increasing in popularity. We have undertaken an anatomic and radiological study of the frontal sinus that is frequently involved in the supercilliary minicraniotomy used to access the parasellar region.


OBJECTIVE
We wanted to evaluate the prevalence and morphological characteristics of the frontal sinus in a certain population sample.


METHODS
98 randomly assigned individuals were subjected to CT examinations. The antero-posterior diameter, sagittal diameter, transverse diameter and total volume of the frontal sinus were calculated.


RESULTS
The frontal sinus tended to be larger in males than in females with the exception of the transverse diameter (p < 0.10).


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge of the anatomic variations of the frontal sinus is important in surgical approaches through the superciliary arc in order to avoid complications such as infections and CSF fistula.
Pondé
J M
JM
Department of Morphology, Escola Bahiana de Medicina, Bahia, Brazil. bela@provider.com.br
Metzger
P
P
Amaral
G
G
Machado
M
M
Prandini
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003399:Craniotomy; D005260:Female; D005626:Frontal Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011897:Random Allocation; D012737:Sex Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed