Morphological analysis of maxillary sinus septum using computed tomography

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The current study examined the morphological characteristics of maxillary sinus septum by computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and four patients (408 maxillary sinuses) who visited dental clinic were evaluated. CT were examined. The height of the septum measured from the sinus floor to the apex of the septum more than 3 mm was defined as "sinus septum". RESULTS: The prevalence of sinus septa was 21.3% (87/408), and 31.4% (64/204) of patients had more than 1 sinus septum. Females showed higher and thinner sinus septa than males. The anatomic location of the septa were distributed in the 2nd molar region (43.7%), 1st molar region (31.0%), 2nd premolar region (21.8%) and 1st premolar region (3.5%). In 57 patients with chronic disease, there was no significant difference between sinus disease and the presence of sinus septa. The loss of remaining teeth and teeth adjacent to the sinus septum area was not related to the presence of sinus septa. Older subjects showed a reduced height and length of the septum, and a thicker septum. CONCLUSION: These results show that the maxillary sinus septum undergoes atrophy with age.