Open AccessEvaluation of inferior turbinate outfracture outcomes using computed tomography
Author(s) -
Min Jy,
Dhong Hj,
Cho Hj,
SK Chung,
Kim Hy
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
rhinology (amsterdam. online)/rhinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1996-8604
pISSN - 0300-0729
DOI - 10.4193/rhino12.001
Subject(s) - medicine , computed tomography , nasal cavity , medial wall , lateral wall , nuclear medicine , position (finance) , tomography , retractor , radiology , surgery , mechanical engineering , finance , engineering , economics
Background: Outfracture of the inferior turbinate (IT) presents numerous advantages, but it is generally believed that the lateralized IT will resume its original position. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of IT outfracture objectively using computed tomography (CT). Methodology: Fifteen patients who underwent bilateral IT outfracture for the removal of pituitary adenomas by the endonasal approach were enrolled. The angles between the lateral wall of the nasal cavity (NC) and IT on both sides were measured from CT scans before and at least 6 months after operation. In addition, we evaluated the effects of variables including age, thickness of IT attachment site and width of the nasal floor, on the angles. Results: Regardless of the side where a Hardy retractor was placed, the angle between the lateral wall of the NC and IT decreased significantly within 6 months after the outfracture compared to preoperative values on both sides. Other variables showed no significant correlations with the angle between the IT and the lateral wall of the NC. Conclusion: The outfracture procedure effectively lateralized the IT and it maintained that position for at least 6 months after the operation.