Evaluation of the maxillary sinus anatomical variations related to maxillary sinus augmentation using cone beam computed tomography images

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anatomical characteristics of the maxillary sinus and their association with sex, age, and dental status using cone beam computed tomography images (CBCT). Methods: This was a retrospective study using CBCT images of maxillary sinuses from 370 sinuses in 185 patients. The following anatomical structures were evaluated: (1) Residual ridge height (RRH), (2) Lateral wall thickness (LWT), (3) Maxillary sinus septa, (4) Sinus membrane thickness (MT), and (5) Ostium. These anatomical structures were compared based on sex, age, and dental status. Results: Mean RRH was 12.13 +/- 3.64 mm. Mean LWT was 2.23 +/- 0.95 mm. The septa prevalence were 22.43 %. The typical orientation of the septa were mediolateral (89.13 %). The septa were commonly at the middle region (66.3 %). Mean MT was 1.3 +/- 2.05 mm. The ostium was most located at the middle region (95.98 %). Mean distance of the ostium from the sinus floor was 30.03 +/- 5.08 mm. The sex, age, and dental status results indicated that females had a greater RRH than males; Males had a thicker LWT, thicker MT, and higher distance of the ostium; the dentate group had a greater RRH, thicker LWT, and higher distance of the ostium; the elderly had a lower RRH, thinner LWT, thicker MT, and lower distance of the ostium. Conclusions: Due to the anatomical variations in the maxillary sinus, it should be evaluated before surgery. We recommend using CBCT in planning the surgery, to minimize the risk of complications related to sinus surgery.