Three-dimensional CT reconstruction anatomy of vidian canal, foramen rotundum and the sphenopalatine foramen / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the three-dimensional spatial relationships of the sphenopalatine foramen ( SPF) , vidian canal ( VC ) , and foramen rotundum ( FR ) with regard to an endoscopic endonasal approach to the pterygopalatine fossa(PPF)using three-dimensional reconstruction of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans. Methods The HRCT scans of 17 patients and a cadaver specimen were retrospectively evaluated .The morphology of the SPF, VC, and FR as well as the spatial relationship between the SPF and VC were measured on the image of three -dimensional CT reconstruction.Results The mean diameters of the SPF, VC, and FR were(6.26 ±1.59)mm,(2.35 ± 0.77)mm and(2.75 ±0.77)mm, respectively.The mean distance between the VC and posteroinferior margin of SPF was (4.03 ±1.15) mm.The mean vertical and horizontal distances on the image of three-dimensional CT reconstruction were between the VC and FR were(4.94 ±1.35)mm and(9.22 ±3.07)mm, respectively.The whole or partial margin of the VC was above the inferior margin of the SPF in 92%(33/36) of the VC and lateral to the posterior margin of the SPF in 97%(35/36) of the VC.Conclusion The endoscopic endonasal approach to the PPF is performed with greater safety through comprehension of the spatial relationships between the SPF , VC, and FR.