Volumetric measurements and anatomical variants of paranasal sinuses of Africans (Nigerians) using dry crania

Abstract

The aim is to determine the volume of each sinus and to highlight the anatomical variants that are common in Nigerians’ dry crania. Twenty- four dried skulls of Nigerians from which the temporal bones had earlier been dissected were studied. A 0° sinus endoscopy (Telescope) was utilized to visualize the paranasal sinuses and their degree of pneumatization was noted. Vernier caliper was employed to measure the distance between the anterior and posterior nasal spine. The height, width, depth and volume of each of the sinuses were determined. The anatomical variants were noted. Aplasia of the frontal sinuses was found in 58% of the studied specimen. There was bilateral aplasia in 50% of the specimen while unilateral aplasia occurred in 8% and on the left side. The volumes of the paranasal sinuses were significantly smaller in the studied crania. In all the paranasal sinuses, the right side was found to be larger than the left except for the maxillary sinus where the left side was found to be larger. Ethmoid showed anatomic variants such as haller Cell, frontal cell, onodi cell and the supra orbital cell. Pre sellar pneumatization was found in 20% of the sphenoid while sellar pneumatization was found in 80%. Key words: Anatomical variants, paranasal sinuses, volume, dried crania, Nigerians.