Anatomic Variations of the Frontal Sinus

Abstract

Introduction: 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). Conclusion: 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.

Key words

Frontal Sinus - Minimally Invasive - Surgery

References

• 1 Fukushima T, Miyasaki S, Takusagawa Y, Reichman M. Unilateral interhemispheric keyhole approach to anterior cerebral artery aneurysms.  Acta Neurochir Suppl. 1991;  53 42-47
• 2 Menovsky T, Grotenhuis A, Vries J, Bartles R. Endoscope-assisted supraorbital craniotomy for lesions of the interpeduncular fossa.  Neurosurgery. 1999;  44 106-112
• 3 Perneczky A, Tschaitscher M, Resch K. Endoscopic anatomy for neurosurgery. Stuttgart: Thieme 1993
• 4 Steiger H, Schmid-Elssaesser R, Stummer W, Uhl E. Transorbital keyhole approach to anterior communicating artery aneurysms.  Neurosurgery. 2001;  48 347-352
• 5 Taniguchi M, Perneczky A. Subtemporal keyhole approach to the suprasellar and petroclival region: microanatomic considerations and clinical application.  Neurosurgery. 1997;  41(3) 592-601
• 6 Blaney S P. Scaling poperties of the frontal sinus in the African great apes - a clue to the role of the human paranasal sinuses.  Ver Laryngol Otol Rhinol. 2000;  121(2) 99-100
• 7 Schuller A. A note on the identification of skulls by X-ray pictures of the frontal sinus.  Med J Aust. 1943;  (1) 554-556
• 8 Libersa C, Faber M. Étude anatomo-radiologique du sinus frontal chez l'enfant.  Lille Med. 1957;  3 453-459
• 9 Krogman W M. The Human Skeleton in Forensic Medicine. Springfield: C.C. Thomas 1962
• 10 Porbonikova S. Na X-ray investigation of the development of the frontal sinus in children.  Folia Med. 1974;  16(4) 213-220
• 11 Szilvassy J. Development of the frontal sinuses.  Anthropol Anz. 1981;  39 138-149
• 12 Brown W AB, Molleson T I, Chinn S. Enlargement of the frontal sinus.  Annals of Human Biology. 1984;  11 221-226
• 13 Harris A MP, Wood R E, Nortjé C J, Thomas C J. The frontal sinus: forensic fingerprint. A pilot study.  J Forensic Odonto Stomatol. 1987;  5 9-15
• 14 Hanson C L, Owsley D W. Frontal sinus in Eskimo populations.  Am P Anthropol. 1980;  53(2) 251-255
• 15 Gulisano M, Pacini P, Orlandini G E. Frontal sinus dimensions in relation to the cranial index: Anatomoradiologic Findings.  Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper. 1978;  15(54) 66-669
• 16 Phrabhakaran N, Naidu M, Subramanian K. Anatomical variability of the frontal sinus and their application in forensic identification.  Clinical Anatomy. 1999;  12 16-19