Journal of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University (Jul 2020)
An Analysis of Configuration of Lateral Lamella of Cribriform Plate of Ethmoid: A Computed Tomographic Study
Abstract
Background: Ethmoid Skull Base (ESB) is an articulation of ethmoid roof with Lateral Lamella of Cribriform plate (LLCP). An increased LLCP height was observed to increase the vulnerability of ESB to surgical injuries. Aim and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to analyze the configuration of the lateral lamella of cribriform plate, the ethmoid roof with respect to Keros type of olfactory fossa. Material and Methods: A retrospective Computed Tomographic (CT) study was done with 60 Coronal Paranasal Sinuses (PNS) scans and LLCP height was determined by subtracting Medial Ethmoid Roof Point (MERP) from CP heights and classified according to Keros. The difference between Medial Ethmoid Roof Point (MERP) and Lateral Ethmoid Roof Point (LERP) heights in both anterior and posterior planes indicates the direction of ethmoid roof slope. Results: The average height of the LLCP was between 1.53 to 8.55 mm with a mean (SD) of 3.77 mm 1.66 and majority belonged to Keros type I. Overall mean difference between LERP and MERP was 5.43 ± 0.74 mm in anterior and 4.43 0.63 mm in posterior planes. In both the planes irrespective of the sides the height of the LERP was higher in relation to medial side. Conclusion: Keros type I was the most common type and the slope of anterior ethmoid roof is steeper compared to posterior. This preoperative knowledge about the configuration of LLCP as well as the ethmoid roof contour is vital during endonasal ethmoidal surgeries
