# Description of the Uncinate Process: A Computed Tomography Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study uses CT scans to describe variations in the uncinate process, a key anatomical structure in the nasal area, to improve understanding for surgeons and radiologists.

## Contribution

The study introduces a new classification system for uncinate process variations based on CT imaging.

## Key findings

- Type 1 uncinate process was most common (84.5%), followed by type 2 (12.3%) and type 3 (3.2%).
- 81.9% of uncinate processes were medialized, with minimal gender differences observed.
- 8.63% of uncinate processes were found to be pneumatized.

## Abstract

Introduction
 The uncinate process (UP) is the most important and constant landmark in the ostiomeatal complex and the middle meatus.

Objective
 To identify the UP variations that have not been published before and establish a categorization using computed tomography (CT).

Methods
 The current study was carried out on 110 paranasal CT scans (220 sides). Axial images were acquired with multiplanar reformats to capture delicate details in other planes.

Results
 Out of 120 CT scans (220 sides), the UP was found to be of type 1 in 84.5%, type 2 in 12.3%, and type 3 in 3.2%, without significant diferences between genders, and it was found to be medialized in 81.9%, vertical in 16.3%, lateralized in 0.9%, and absent in 0.9%, without significant differences between genders. A total of 8.63% of the UPs were pneumatized.

Conclusion
 The present study improves surgeons' and radiologists' knowledge of the UP, while creating a standard classification and description to be used as a common language between otorhinolaryngologists and radiologists, which could also be used for training.