Role of middle turbinate In sinusitis

Abstract

Both inferior and middle turbinates have important implications in nasal physiology. The inferior turbinate participates actively in control of inspired airflow and can induce, in some cases, obstruction. Surgery of inferior turbinate is strictly restricted to cases resistant to appropriate medical treatment and after clear diagnosis of the underlying disease. Cryosurgery, sub-mucosal cautery and utilization of laser can produce significant reduction of the turbinate volume with maximal preservation of the turbinate function [Cauweberge, 1999]. The middle turbinate has close contact with the lateral wall of the nasal cavity and, in case of abnormal form or position, can obstruct the normal sinus drainage and ventilation. Its precise role in sinusitis and nasal obstruction is still difficult to judge [Cauweberge, 1999]. Resection of the middle turbinate is controversial procedure. Currently, the rhinology literature is unclear regarding the preferred intraoperative management of the middle turbinate during endoscopic sinus surgery [Scott and Duncavage, 1998). The desired aim of this study is to identifY any anatomical abnormalities of the middle turbinate that contribute the development of rhinosinusitis.