The evaluation of morphometry of nasal bone and pyriform aperture using multidetector computed tomography

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to measure nasal bone (NB) and pyriform aperture (PA), morphometrically. Besides, the different types of NB and PA were classified and determined the sexual differences. Materials and Methods: Our study was performed on 120 (60 women, 60 men) multidetector computed tomography images obtained from patients who underwent radiologic examination in the Department of Radiology of Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University. The right, left, and median heights of NB; the superior and inferior widths of NB; the width of PA; and the distance between rhinion and anterior nasal spine (as the height of PA) were measured. Frontonasal and internasal angles were also determined. All data were analyzed statistically using Student's t-test. Results: The other data of men were higher than of women except for the superior and inferior widths of NB and the frontonasal angle. We also determined the ratio of the height of PA to the height of NB on median plane and the ratio of the height of PA to the width of PA. They were found less than 2.0 in 64.2% and 100% of the cases, respectively. The NB and PA were classified into 8 and 7 different types, respectively. Conclusions: The knowledge of the morphometric data and different types of the NB and PA is essential for sex determination, all surgical procedures related to this area, and nasal reconstructions.