A Descriptive Study of Anatomical Variations of Uncinate Process on Sinonasal Computed Tomography

Aim: The purpose of our study was to assess various anatomical variations of the uncinate process of the lateral nasal wall and to study the clinical association of its anatomical variations on computed tomography. Methods: A descriptive study of anatomical variations of the uncinate process with clinical association was undertaken in the Department of Ear, Nose & Throat of a Medical College and Tertiary Health care centre. The study was of 2 years duration and included 50 patients from August 2014-2016 and included 50 patients. Patients were selected according to a specified criteria and sinonasal computed tomography scans were undertaken with the help of Somatom Emotion 6 CT machine. Data was organised charted and analysed using statistical software SPSS 16. Results: The key findings in our study were that six types of anatomical variations of uncinate process and there frequency distribution was identified according to Landstiener and Friedman classification. Uncinate process types according to age and gender were charted and tests of association were applied. Conclusion: After statistical analysis we found no association between type of uncinate process and sinonasal symptoms. No association was seen between age and gender and variations of uncinate process. In our study, variation of superior attachment of uncinate process were found in 100% cases.