Assessment of dimensions of pneumatization of the anterior clinoid process in middle Anatolian population by computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The anterior clinoid process (ACP) is usually removed surgical procedures of the cellar region. The anterior clinoid process may be different length and width in people; it may be also pneumatic. Therefore, we aimed to determined dimensions and rates of pneumatization of the ACP in the large study group with clinically importance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand and thirty one (592 female, 439 male ) cranial CT of the middle Anatolian population was used in this study. The length and basal width of the ACP were measured on the cranial CT. Also; incidence and degree of ACP pneumatization were identified.

RESULTS: The width right and left of the ACP in female were 10.80 ± 2.27 mm and 10.53 ± 2.07 mm, respectively. The width of right and left ACP in male were 11.08 ± 2.39 mm and 10.98 ± 2.35 mm, respectively. The length right and left of the ACP in females were 8.32 ± 2.40 mm and 8.34 ± 2.35 mm, respectively. The length right and left ACP in males were 8.87 ± 2.62 mm and 8.93 ± 2.64 mm, respectively. There was statistically significant difference between males and female's dimensions of ACP except for width right ACP. Pneumatization of the ACP was observed on the right side in 46 cases (9.3 %) , on the left side in 53 cases (10.6 %), and bilaterally in 32 cases (6.5 %). Incidence of pneumatization of the ACP was decreased in groups of 1month-20 years old. While the incidence of bilaterally pneumatization of the ACP was higher in individuals aged 21-40.

CONCLUSION: Radiologically recognizing pneumatization and anatomical variations of the ACP may be helped in decreasing the incidence of surgical complications during anterior clinoidectomy.