Characteristics of maxillary sinus ostia and their correlation with anatomic variations of the osteomeatal complex: Indications for sinus floor elevation

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of the anatomy and variations of the maxillary sinus is essential for reducing oral surgery complications, such as sinus floor elevation, and increasing surgery success. The CBCT images of 385 patients were examined. Materials and Methods: The prevalence, localization, and height of PMO (Primer Maxillary Ostium) and AMO (Accessory Maxillary Ostium) were evaluated with respect to sex, dentition, dental treatment, Schneiderian membrane (SM) thickness, concha bullosa, Haller Cells, and septal deviation. Results: The PMO was present in 87.3% of all patients. Further analysis showed that the mean PMO diameter was 1.42 ± 0.62 mm. Although 11.6% of the PMO was in the inferior region, 60.4% was in the middle and 28% in the superior region. The effect of age and SM on the height and diameter of the PMO was found to be statistically significant. An AMO was present in 20% of the CBCT images. The mean AMO diameter was 2.55 ± 1.25 mm. Although 45.4% of the AMO was in the inferior region, 48% was in the middle and 6.6% was in the superior region. Moreover, SM thickness seemed to influence the height. A significant positive relationship was found between the PMO and AMO height. Also, a significant relationship was observed between the presence of the AMO and septum deviation. Conclusion: The presence of the AMO, PMO diameter, and height should be added to the preoperative evaluation criteria for the success of sinus floor evaluation. Specifically, sinonasal and demographic conditions should be carefully examined preoperatively for the long-term success of the surgery.