A Simple Clinical Application for Locating the Anterior Ethmoidal Artery Using the Anterior Ethmoidal Foramen and the Anterior Nasal Spine

The anatomy and variations of the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) are clinically relevant. The anterior ethmoidal foramen (AEF) can be used to locate the initial site of the AEA, and the anterior nasal spine (ANS) is a constant bony marker in the anterior nasal atrium. However, there is no relevant research on AEF and ANS targeting the AEA. Hence, this study aimed to accurately locate the AEA through AEF and ANS using computed tomography. METHODS: A total of 120 (240 sides) sinus computed tomography scans were retrospectively selected and studied. The AEA was classified into grades I, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ group based on the relationship between the AEA and the skull base. The distance between AEF and ANS and the angle between AEF-ANS and the axial plane were measured. RESULTS: The average distance from AEF to ANS was 58.26±3.64 mm, and the corresponding angle was 60.05±5.93 degrees. The AEF-ANS distances and angles were negatively correlated with age. Moreover, the distances from AEF to ANS were significantly increased in the grade Ⅲ group compared with the grade Ⅱ group. CONCLUSION: The measurements obtained in this study add anatomic knowledge that can serve as a better intraoperative localization method of the AEA, which can help surgeons avoid relative complications during endoscopic sinus surgery.