Does the sphenoid angle effect the operation strategy? Anatomical and radiological investigation

Abstract

Aim: The aim of our study is to suggest the sphenoid wing-lesser wing angulation (SWA) importance during surgeries directed to this region.

Material and methods: SWA on 40 skulls were measured bilaterally (n=80). The depth of the middle cranial fossa (DMCF) at the level of the SWA was determined. The same measurements were done on 40 randomly selected computerized tomography (CT) scans bilaterally (n=80).

Results: The specimens were classified into 3 groups according the degree of SWA; Group-A, SWA was more than 130° (27%), Group-B, SWA was 110-130° (43%) and Group-C, SWA was less than 110° (28%). MCF was measured (mean) as 10.1 mm in Group-A, 6.4 mm in Group-B and 4.6 mm in Group-C. MCF was increasing with the increase in SWA. CT scans were classified into same procedure. Group-A was 26%, Group-B was 42% and Group-C was 31% fitting in the relevant groups. The superior orbital fissure (SOF) was evaluated according to the Sharma's classification.

Conclusion: We suggest that by the preoperative evaluation of CT scans measurements the SWA, it is possible to estimate the MCF and the type of SOF. This knowledge may be important for all surgeries requiring removal of the sphenoid wing and these region pathologies.