A Computed Tomographic Study on The Morphological Variants of The Uncinate Process in A Selected Nigerian Population

Authors

  • Dr. Ominde Beryl Shitandi Department of Human Anatomy, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria Author
  • Dr. Ikubor Joyce Ekeme Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara. Author
  • Dr. Enaohwo Taniyohwo Mamerhi Author
  • Dr. Iju Wilson Josiah Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara. Author
  • Prof. Patrick S. Igbigbi Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/

Keywords:

uncinate process, ethmoid, pneumatization, attachment, deviation, orientation

Abstract

Introduction: The variants of the uncinate process (UP) influence the patency of the osteomeatal complex. They impair the paranasal sinus drainage hence, predispose to chronic rhinosinusitis. They also make endoscopic sinus surgery challenging and increase the risk of iatrogenic complications. This study investigated the different anatomical forms of the UP using computed tomography.

Materials and Methods: Non-contrast cranial Computed Tomographic images of adult patients were obtained from digital archives of a Teaching Hospital (Radiology department) in Nigeria (Delta State) after ethical clearance. The site of superior attachment, orientation, deviation, atelectasis and aeration of the UP were evaluated. The data were reported in frequencies and further compared using the Chi-square test. A p-value of <0.05 implied statistical significance.

Results: The UP commonly inserted superiorly onto the lamina papyraecea (208,61.9%) followed by the middle turbinate (81,24.1%) and the skull base (47,14%). Horizontally oriented UP was more common (197,58.6%) compared to vertical UP (139,41.4%). The prevalence of the uncinate tip deviation was 38.7% (130) medially and 10.7% (36) laterally, with significant sex differences (p<0.05). The uncinate bulla was present in 9.5% (32).

Conclusion: This study enlightens on the existing forms of the UP among patients evaluated, thus the need for their identification prior to functional endoscopic sinus surgery to minimize iatrogenic complications.

Author Biographies

  • Dr. Ominde Beryl Shitandi, Department of Human Anatomy, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

    Lecturer

    Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology

  • Dr. Ikubor Joyce Ekeme, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.

    Associate Professor in the Radiology Department

  • Dr. Iju Wilson Josiah, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.

    Associate Professor in the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology

  • Prof. Patrick S. Igbigbi, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.

    Professor 

    Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology

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Published

01/28/2025

How to Cite

1.
Ominde B, Ikubor J, Enaohwo M, Iju W, Igbigbi P. A Computed Tomographic Study on The Morphological Variants of The Uncinate Process in A Selected Nigerian Population. AJTMBR [Internet]. 2025 Jan. 28 [cited 2025 Apr. 8];7(1):77-85. Available from: https://ajtmbr.org.ng/index.php/home/article/view/109