Bone density measurements of the paranasal sinuses on plastinated whole-organ sections: anatomic data to prevent complications in endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Although anatomic data regarding the gross anatomy of the paranasal sinuses are available, severe complications of endonasal sinus surgery (ESS) are frequently reported. To understand and to avoid these complications, density of bony walls of the paranasal sinuses were studied in this report. Special attention was given to the analysis of the bone density in regions where minor and major complications occur in ESS.

METHODS

Thirty cadaver heads were embedded in epoxy resin. The plastic blocks were sectioned with a diamond-coated wire saw into 1.0-mm thick, parallel slices in axial, coronal, and sagittal planes for 10 specimens each. The slices were x-rayed and scanned with a computerized image analyzing system. For each specimen the bone density in 12 regions of interest was measured.

RESULTS

Besides the macroscopic examination of the plastinated specimens, a bone density analysis based on x-ray films is presented. Lowest bone density was found at the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus (3.31 +/- 0.99 mm aluminum [Al]); highest density was measured at the roof of the sphenoid sinus (12.91 +/- 1.75 mm Al). Overall bone density in female specimens was 0.41 mm Al (mean) lower than in male specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to use plastinated whole-organ serial sections and bone density images for the analysis of potential complications in ESS. The illustration of regions with minor and major bone density of the paranasal sinuses and the ethmoid floor as presented in this study may help the novice sinus surgeon to minimize the risks of ESS and to avoid severe complications.