Open AccessThree-dimensional bone CT reconstruction anatomy of the vidian canal
Author(s) -
ShaoCheng Liu,
H.W. Wang,
H.L. Kao,
P.C. Hsiao,
W.F. Su
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
rhinology (amsterdam. online)/rhinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.275
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1996-8604
pISSN - 0300-0729
DOI - 10.4193/rhino12.189
Subject(s) - medicine , pterygopalatine fossa , sphenoid bone , anatomy , sinus (botany) , computed tomography , skull , radiology , botany , biology , genus
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.