Morphometric evaluation of the lacrimal sac fossa in Anatolian population using multidetector computed tomography

Purpose: To investigate the morphometric characteristics of the lacrimal sac fossa in Anatolian population using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images in surgical aspect. Methods: : A total of 77 cranial MDCT scans were evaluated. Maximum thickness of the maxillary and lacrimal bones; midpoint thickness, and the distance between anterior and posterior lacrimal crests were measured at the upper, middle, and lower axial planes. The angle between the lacrimal bone and the sagittal plane was measured at the middle plane. The length of the lacrimal sac fossa was calculated. Results: : The mean maximum thickness of the maxillary bone at the upper, middle and lower planes were: 3.58 mm, 4.27 mm, and 5.81 mm; the midpoint thickness at each plane were: 2.76 mm, 2.51 mm, and 1.48 mm; the lacrimal bone thickness at each plane were: 0.72 mm, 0.65 mm, and 0.66 mm; the distance between anterior and posterior lacrimal crests at each plane were: 5.96 mm, 8.1 mm, and 4.63 mm; the angle between the lacrimal bone and the sagittal plane in males and females at the middle plane were: 132.73° and 131.46°; the length of the lacrimal sac fossa in males and females were: 15.82 mm and 14.02 mm, respectively. Conclusion: In Anatolian population, bone thicknesses of the lacrimal sac fossa were higher in males, while the angle between the lacrimal bone and the sagittal plane was higher in females. This study indicates that osteotomies can be easily performed in DCR interventions in Anatolian population.