CLINICO-ANATOMICAL STUDY OF SEPTUM IN THE MAXILLARY SINUS

Oh, Hee Kyun; Ryu, Sun Youl

Abstract

Several reports have suggested a risk of problems due to sinus septum during the sinus lift procedure. However, there has been no wide-ranging clinico-anatomical study of sinus septum. This study was performed to examine the occurrence and anatomical characteristics of sinus septum of the maxillary sinus. The computed tomographs of the maxillary sinus in 488 patients were analyzed. THe incidence, location, and orientation of the septum were examined. The septa were observed in 177 of 488 patients (24.0%). The septa could be observed at any age (from 7 to 74 years). The incidence of sinus septum was higher in female (30.8%) than in male (20.8%). The average number of present septa in one patient was 1.56+/-0.84. One hundred and fifty-seven septa (86.3%) were oriented in a buccopalatal plane, 16 septa (8.8%) in a sagittal plane, and 9 septa (4.9%) in a transverse plane. There were no significant differences in location of septa within the maxillary sinus. These results were suggested that the incidence of sinus septum was 24.0%, and its shape and location were irregular. The identification of sinus septum should occur prior to the sinus lift procedure so that the modification of the basic sinus lift procedure can be planned according to the shape and the location of septa. Then successful results may be achieved through surgical removal of septa or several modifications to the sinus lift procedure.