PREVALENCE & DIFFERENT SHAPES OF HALLER’S CELLS ON PANORAMIC RADIOGRAPH- A STUDY

Dr. Md. Asdullah*, Dr. Kauser J. Khwaja, Dr. Anshul Aggarwal, Dr. Masood H. Khan, Dr. Nasir A. Salati, Dr. Saif Khan

ABSTRACT

Objective-Haller's cells or infraorbital ethmoid cells refer to the ethmoidal pneumatization of the superior aspect of the maxillary sinus and floor of the orbit. The clinical importance of these entities initiated this study with an aim to determine the prevalence and characteristics of Haller's cells on panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: This study comprised of 400 panoramic radiographs of healthy adults of the age 18-60 years. Each radiograph was interpreted for the presence of haller’s cells. The data collected were then tabulated and subjected to descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Results: Haller’s cells were observed in 20.5% patients. The overall mean age of subjects with Haller's cells was 33.82 years (with SD 8.61). Maximum cells were oval in shape, followed by round, tear drop and nonspecific in shape. Conclusion: Presence of haller’s cells helps in enumerating the differential diagnosis for orofacial pain and in avoiding surgical complications in endonasal procedures.

Keywords: Endonasal procedures, Ethmoid air cells, Maxillary sinus, Orthopantomograph, Orofacial pain.