DEVELOPMENT OF THE PARANASAL SINUSES IN CHILDREN - IMPLICATIONS FOR PARANASAL SINUS SURGERY

The pediatric nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, when compared to tho se in adults, differ not only in size but also in proportion. Knowledg e of the unique anatomy and pneumatization of children's sinuses is an important prerequisite to understanding the pathogenesis of sinusitis and its complications. It is also important in evaluation of radiogra phs and in planning surgical interventions. In order to study the deve lopment of the paranasal sinuses in children and relate clinical anato my to sinus surgery, the sinuses in 102 pediatric skulls and cadaver h eads were measured. The results were classified by stage of developmen t into 4 different age groups: newborn and 1 to 4, 4 to 8, and 8 to 12 years. The characteristics of each group and their clinical importanc e for paranasal sinus surgery are described.