Histomorphometric analysis of the sinus lateral wall and Schneiderian membrane: A cadaveric study

Objectives: Sinus augmentation is frequently used to maintain implant stability when there is severe alveolar bone loss. The aim of this study was to determine the thicknesses and histologic features of the sinus lateral wall and Schneiderian membrane in embalmed cadavers. Design: This study included 35 hemimaxillae from 25 cadavers (19 males and 6 females with a mean age at death of 59 years). Specimens obtained from the first premolar to the second molar were embedded in paraffin, stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and observed under a light microscope. The thicknesses of the lateral wall and Schneiderian membrane were measured according to tooth site and measurement level, and their histologic features were evaluated. Results: The mean thicknesses of the lateral wall were 2.22, 2.17, 2.64, and 2.64 mm at the first premolar, second premolar, first molar, and second molar, respectively, and 2.79, 2.24, and 2.12 mm at 0, 2, and 8 mm from the sinus floor. The mean thickness of the Schneiderian membrane did not differ significantly between at the sinus floor (0.41 mm) and 2 mm above the floor (0.38 mm). The lateral wall consisted of the outer cortical plate, trabecular bone in the center, and the inner cortical plate near the Schneiderian membrane, being the inner cortical plate the more porous. Conclusions: These histomorphometric results for the sinus lateral wall and Schneiderian membrane are expected to provide relevant information for use in sinus augmentation procedures.