Frontal sinus outflow tract "anatomic study"

Abstract

Meticulous anatomical knowledge is mandatory to approach endoscopically the frontal sinus area safely and manage its diseases successfully. The aim of this study was to identify the various drainage patterns of the frontal sinus. To illustrate these patterns we performed anatomical dissections of the outflow tract of the frontal sinus in 30 cadaver half heads. We found that the frontal sinus drained anterior to the uncinate process in 23.3% of specimens and posterior to it in 63.3%, while it drained medial to the semilunar hiatus in 6.6%. Our study, however, represents an exclusive assortment of linear and angular measurements of important landmarks around the frontal recess region. Although these measurements were made in embalmed tissue, we believe they will provide reference points in endoscopic sinus surgery.