Radiographic assessment of maxillary sinus lateral wall and anatomy of posterior superior alveolar artery: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic

The aims of the study were to determine the thickness of maxillary sinus (MS) lateral wall and to assess the prevalence, distance from maxillary sinus floor, diameter and course of posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) based on age, gender and dental status using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) that might be relevant to accomplish complication free surgeries in posterior maxilla. CBCT images of maxillary sinus (right and left) were obtained for 40 patients, which included 20 males and 20 females. Maxillary sinus lateral wall and PSAA parameters were measured and evaluated. The data obtained were then subjected to descriptive statistical analysis; independent t-test and one-way Anova test were performed and compared based on age, gender and dental status. The results showed that the average thickness of the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus was determined to be approximately around 2.50 mm. PSAA was observed in 25% of subjects with a maximum distance of 8.83 mm from the maxillary sinus floor and a minimum distance of 6.90 mm. PSAA had a diameter of 1-2 mm with the intraosseous course in most individuals. Comparison between CBCT images of the selected individuals among age groups, gender and dental status were not statistically significant on measuring the above mentioned parameters. This study concluded that CBCT provides valuable diagnostic information pertaining to sinus and related landmarks that assist during surgical procedures.