Abstract:

Objective  To provide accurate morphological basis for clinical surgery on fronto-nasofrontal duct area.　Methods　Three-dimensional continuous thin sections of 0.25 mm was prepared with improved celloidin embedding technique and the specimens of adult decalcified heads and dry cranium were observed.　Results　The morphology of nasofrontal duct included diagonal elongated line-shape, straight line-shape, arc-shape, inverted “L” shape and “S” shape. The bottom opening of nasofrontal duct was into frontal recess, ethmoidal infundibulum and the superior part of ethmoidal infundibulum, ethmoidal bulla and lateral sinus. The length of nasofrontal duct was (19.81±2.56) mm (left) and (19.90±2.60) mm (right). Frontal sinus was diverse morphology, but triangle is the main type. The thickness of anterior wall of frontal sinus was (22.48±1.72) mm (left) and (22.63±1.38) mm (right).　Conclusion　Frontal sinus surgery via nasofrontal duct can be carried out through the middle nasal meatus after the bottom opening is found. It is safe and feasible to operate on frontal sinus directly through nasofrontal duct.

Key words: Fronto-nasofrontal duct area, Sectional anatomy, Clinical significance