Morphometric Evaluation of the Middle Turbinate in Relation to Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Objective: Partial middle turbinectomy during endoscopic sinus surgery is done for better access and to avoid postoperative complications of lateralization of the middle turbinate. There are only few cadaveric studies available in literature describing the middle turbinate morphometry with surgical perspective. Therefore, the present study was planned to record morphometry and relevant surgical distances for the middle turbinate. Materials and methods: Thirty-two midsagittal sections of cadaver heads from adult males were dissected. Middle turbinate measurements and shapes were taken. Reference distances and angles were measured. Results: The average length of the middle turbinate was 20.4 ± 3.9 mm, while the height of the middle turbinate was taken at three specific points (13.1, 9.7, 6.1 mm). The most common shape found was the type 2. The mean value for the distance between limen nasi and the anterior and posterior attachments of the middle turbinate was found to be 32.1 ± 3.2 mm, with mean angle of 65o with the horizontal and 43.6 ± 4.2 mm, with mean angle of 39.4o with the horizontal respectively. Conclusion: This baseline data may aid endoscopic surgeons in better planning and execution of the middle turbinate resection.