Anatomical Variations of Uncinate Process Observed in Chronic Sinusitis

Abstract

Chronic Sinusitis, an extremely persistent illness, is surgically best treated by Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. The ostiomeatal complex is the main area targeted and within it uncinate process is the first anatomical structure encountered. The significance of anatomical variations concerning age and sex of uncinate process in chronic sinusitis were evaluated. A prospective study on 50 patients of chronic sinusitis (100 uncinate processes) was done. The results were tabulated and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 16.0. Type I superior attachment of uncinate process (67 %) was the most common variety in all ages and both sexes and a statistically significant relationship between Type I superior attachment of uncinate process and sex was found (p < 0.05). The typical uncinate process was most common (70 %) followed by medial deviation of the uncinate (24 %). This difference in occurrence was significant with respect to both age and sex (p < 0.05). Anatomical variations of uncinate process are not responsible for causing chronic sinusitis. Mere presence of these variations of uncinate is not an indication for FESS.