Nose and paranasal sinuses: Caldwell-Luc approach: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Nose and paranasal sinuses: Caldwell-Luc approach

Sample item

In the Caldwell-Luc operation, through which route is the maxillary sinus entered?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Anterior wall via the canine fossa through a sublabial incision

A sublabial incision above the canine teeth exposes the canine fossa, where the anterior wall is opened. Diseased mucosa is removed and an inferior meatal antrostomy is made for drainage. Complications include numbness of the cheek and teeth from injury to the infraorbital nerve.

Option by option

  • A. Posterior wall via the pterygopalatine fossa

    The posterior wall is not breached.

  • B. Medial wall via the inferior meatus only

    Inferior meatus antrostomy is only the drainage window.

  • C. Floor via the dental socket

    The dental socket is not used.

  • D. Anterior wall via the canine fossa through a sublabial incision (correct)

    Correct. Entry is through the canine fossa.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is D, Anterior wall via the canine fossa through a sublabial incision. A sublabial incision above the canine teeth exposes the canine fossa, where the anterior wall is opened.

Why is "Posterior wall via the pterygopalatine fossa" not the answer?

The posterior wall is not breached.

Why is "Medial wall via the inferior meatus only" not the answer?

Inferior meatus antrostomy is only the drainage window.

Why is "Floor via the dental socket" not the answer?

The dental socket is not used.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nose and paranasal sinuses: Caldwell-Luc approach in ENT. Diseased mucosa is removed and an inferior meatal antrostomy is made for drainage. Complications include numbness of the cheek and teeth from injury to the infraorbital nerve.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Nose and paranasal sinuses: Caldwell-Luc approach?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.