Abstract

Uncinate process is a key structure in the Osteomeatal complex, playing a role in the mucociliary activity. It is a thin sickle shaped projection on the lateral wall of the nose. Its anatomical variations have a major role in the pathogenesis of Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

In this study, our aim is to determine the prevalence of variations in the Uncinate process, radiologically, among the patients attending ENT OPD in a tertiary care hospital in South India.

This is a prospective study, conducted over a period of 2 years from August 2015 to July 2017, in a tertiary care hospital in Visakhapatnam. Patients, who were willing for the study on them, were selected. Complete history was taken and thorough clinical examination was done, along with relevant investigations to find out the prevalence of anatomical variations of uncinate process.

A study was done, consisting of 100 sinusitis patients attending the outpatient department (constituting 200 uncinate processes). CT scan images of 0.625 mm collimation were taken and the images were analyzed with Radiant DICOM viewer.

The most important variation seen in uncinate process is its superior attachment.

Lateral insertion of the uncinate is the commonest. Insertion into skull base is not uncommon.

Anatomical variations of uncinate do not always predispose to rhinosinusitis and thus, indiscriminate uncinectomy is to be condemned.Intrinsic mucosal disease is probably of much more importance than bony anatomy.

Keywords: Uncinate, Uncinectomy, Osteomeatal Complex.