Tomographical study of optic strut location and its significance

Abstract

To determine the attachment of optic strut relative to anterior clinoid process. To categorize optic strut into the sulcal, pre-sulcal, post-sulcal. To determine the association between laterality and optic strut attachment pattern. The study was conducted on 100 normal CT scans of Head and Para nasal sinus. Optic strut was classified as pre-sulcal, sulcal, post-sulcal, and asymmetric in relation to the prechiasmatic sulcus. Optic strut location was determined as anterior, middle and posterior with respect to anterior clinoid process. The optic strut was found to be anterior in 28% specimen, middle in 57% specimen and posterior in 15% specimen. The optic strut was pre-sulcal in 31% specimens, sulcal in 50%, post-sulcal in 16%. The above were observed bilaterally, and 3% were unilateral. Anatomical variations in the optic strut are significant in planning for anterior clinoidectomy and optic-canal decompression.