title: Three-dimensional bone CT reconstruction anatomy of the vidian canal.
abstract: To examine the anatomical features of the anterior opening of the vidian canal using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) images of the bone.
  
  
  
  We reviewed 62 patients who had undergone bilateral vidian neurectomies. One hundred and twenty-four vidian canals and their surrounding anatomies were analyzed. 3D images were reconstructed using algorithms and compared with conventional two-dimensional (2D) CT images.
  
  
  
  A bony prominence that overlaid the vidian canal along the sphenoid sinus floor was found in 60 (48.39 %) canals. Pneumatization of the pterygoid process was observed in 45 sides (36.29%). No significant discrepancy was found in detecting these variances between the 2D and the 3D images. The presence of a surgically favorable gap between the palatine and the sphenoid bone was seen in 25 sides (20.16%) without significant association with pterygoid process pneumatization or vidian canal protrusion. This gap was not identified on the 2D CT scans.
  
  
  
  3D CT reconstruction images of bone provide superior delineation of the gap between the palatine and the sphenoid bone, which is a critical variation for vidian neurectomy. This useful method may contribute to better prediction and guidance of the surgical approach to the vidian canal and pterygopalatine fossa.
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: H W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Kao
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Hsiao
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Su
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D021362:Palate, Hard / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D056739:Pterygopalatine Fossa / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D065631:Rhinitis, Allergic; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013101:Sphenoid Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult