Description of the Uncinate Process: A Computed Tomography Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction The uncinate process (UP) is the most important and constant landmark in the ostiomeatal complex and the middle meatus. Objective To identify the UP variations that have not been published before and establish a categorization using computed tomography (CT). Methods The current study was carried out on 110 paranasal CT scans (220 sides). Axial images were acquired with multiplanar reformats to capture delicate details in other planes. Results Out of 120 CT scans (220 sides), the UP was found to be of type 1 in 84.5%, type 2 in 12.3%, and type 3 in 3.2%, without significant diferences between genders, and it was found to be medialized in 81.9%, vertical in 16.3%, lateralized in 0.9%, and absent in 0.9%, without significant differences between genders. A total of 8.63% of the UPs were pneumatized. Conclusion The present study improves surgeons’ and radiologists’ knowledge of the UP, while creating a standard classification and description to be used as a common language between otorhinolaryngologists and radiologists, which could also be used for training.