Is there a relationship between cribriform plate dimensions and septal deviation angle?

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the relationship between cribriform plate (CP) dimensions and septal deviation degree. Coronal paranasal CT scans of 99 patients were reviewed. We measured depth and width of cribriform plate on both sides and compared with septal deviation side and septal deviation degree. Deviation angles were 6.85 ± 1.47° for right deviations; and 7.11 ± 1.63° for the left deviations. The mean depth of CP was 5.08 ± 1.57 mm at the right side and 5.06 ± 1.59 mm at the left side; and the mean width of CP was found 4.71 ± 1.36 mm at the right side and 4.56 ± 1.51 mm at the left side. When CP dimensions were evaluated according to the septal deviation side, mean width of CP was 4.69 ± 1.36 mm at ipsilateral side (deviated side); and 4.58 ± 1.51 mm at the contralateral side. The mean depth of CP was 4.9 ± 1.56 mm at the ipsilateral side (deviated side); and 5.22 ± 1.58 mm at the contralateral side. The CP depth at the contralateral side was significantly higher than that of the ipsilateral side (deviated side). In right SD, ipsilateral and contralateral CP depth increased. As deviation angle increased, ipsilateral and contralateral CP width, right and left CP width increased. Ipsilateral and contralateral CP width; and additionally ipsilateral and contralateral CP depth increased together. In other words, right and left CP width; and CP depth increased simultaneously. It is well known that the higher incidence of intracranial penetration is on the side where the position of the ethmoid roof (ER) is lower. The presence of septal deviation, the possibility of the deeper CP at the contralateral side should be taken into consideration to avoid iatrogenic injury.