Background: Onodi cells are a type of posterior ethmoid cells which extend superior and lateral to the sphenoid sinus. As these cells have a close relationship with the optic nerve and the internal carotid artery, it becomes important to be aware about their presence preoperatively to prevent injury to these vital structures. Aim of the study was to identify the presence of the Onodi cell with computed tomography (CT) scan and to determine its prevalence and gender distribution of these cells in a north Indian population. Methods: CT scan of nose and paranasal sinuses of 300 adult patients were studied retrospectively to determine the prevalence of Onodi cells. Results: The overall prevalence of Onodi cells was found to be 20.33%. Of this, 24 (57%) were present in males and 17 (43%) in females. Out of 61 Onodi cells, 30 (49.2%) were right-sided, 10 (16.4%) left-sided, 13 (21.3%) central and 8 (13.1%) were bilateral. Conclusions: The presence of Onodi cell in every fifth person makes it important to have a knowledge of their presence preoperatively to prevent adverse surgical complications.
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