Abstract
Objectives: To examine the anatomical features of the anterior opening of the vidian canal using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) images of the bone. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 306-314 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Rhinology |
Volume | 51 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Pterygoid process
- Three dimensional CT sphenoid sinus
- Vidian canal
- Vidian neurectomy
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Otorhinolaryngology