Anatomical Variations of Uncinate Process in a Tertiary Care Hospital of a Coastal city in Karnataka

Introduction: Superior attachment of uncinate process is the most important anatomical landmark in frontal recess surgery. The uncinate process is an integral struc­ture of osteomeatal complex and prevents the direct contact of the inspired air with the maxillary sinus. It acts as a shield and also plays a role in muco-ciliary activity. Anatomic variations of the uncinate process have surgical implications.

Aim: This study was done to know the different variations of superior attachment of uncinate process.

Materials and Methods: In this retrospective observational descriptive study, Computed Tomography (CT) scans of Para Nasal Sinuses (PNS) of 256 patients from Sept 2018 to May 2020 were studied. The results were expressed in percentages and proportions.

Results: Among 256 CT images, 139 belonged to males and 117 females. In the CT films examined, on the right side, the most common attachment of uncinate was to lamina papyracea which was (64.8%) followed by skull base (19.5%) and to the middle turbinate(15.6%). Similar findings were seen on left side.

Conclusion: Uncinate process shows different variations in its superior attachment. Superior attachment to lamina papyracea was the most common attachment of uncinate in our study.