Radiologic anatomy of the frontal sinus

The frontal sinus and its drainage pathway comprise one of the most complex anatomic areas of the anterior skull base. Its complexity is magnified by the frequency of anatomic variations which impact the direction of drainage, efficiency of mucociliary clearance, and morphology of the frontal recess. Recent significant advances in computed tomography (CT), especially the introduction of multidetector helical scanning and the routine availability of computer workstations, have made demonstration of this complex anatomy easier and more useful to rhinologic surgical approach. This improvement in imaging clarity and multiplanar demonstration of frontal sinus complex anatomy is now of even more clinical relevance in view of the extensive developments in powered instruments, better endoscopic devices, and surgical navigation with CT cross-registration.