Radioanatomic study of maxillary sinus palatal process pneumatization

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Radiology
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• Palatal process pneumatization (PPP) is an anatomical variation within the maxillary sinus.
• Understanding PPP is crucial for preventing surgical complications in the midface region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a detailed analysis of palatal process pneumatization (PPP) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.
• To classify and evaluate the prevalence of different PPP types and their associated anatomical parameters.

Main Methods:

• CBCT scans of 376 maxillary sinuses from 188 patients were analyzed.
• Palatal process pneumatization (PPP) was evaluated at specific distances from the incisive foramen.
• PPP was classified into three types (I, II, III) based on the extent of gasification into the nasal floor. Parameters like sinus opening angle (SOA), palatonasal recess angle (PNRA), palatal junction angle (PJA), and palatal depth measurement (PDM) were measured.

Main Results:

• Type I PPP (non-gasified) was most frequent (66.92%), followed by Type II (32.4%), and Type III (0.68%).
• Significant differences were found in palatonasal recess angle (PNRA) and palatal depth measurement (PDM) between Type I and Type II PPP.
• Type I PPP showed the highest PDM, and Type III PPP had a narrower PNRA compared to Type II.

Conclusions:

• A significant percentage (33.08%) of analyzed maxillary sinuses exhibited extensive pneumatization through the palatal process.
• Awareness of these anatomical variations in palatal process pneumatization (PPP) is essential for physicians to avoid potential surgical complications.