Association between sinus septa and lateral wall thickness with risk of perforation during maxillary sinus lift

Baohua Yang1, Tiantian Wang1, Yuzhen Wen2

  • 1Department of Stomatology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo City, Shandong Province, China.

Plos One
|August 8, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Sinus septa significantly increase the risk of perforation during sinus lift surgery, though evidence quality is very low. Lateral wall thickness did not show a clear association with perforation risk due to conflicting data.

Area of Science:

  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Dental Implantology
  • Anatomical Research

Background:

  • Sinus membrane perforation is a frequent complication during sinus lift procedures.
  • Understanding anatomical risk factors is crucial for improving surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of anatomical factors, specifically sinus septa and lateral wall thickness, on the risk of sinus membrane perforation during sinus lift surgery.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published up to June 2024 was conducted.
  • Data from 10 studies involving 1865 patients and 2168 sinus lift procedures were analyzed.
  • Random-effects meta-analysis was used to determine the odds ratio (OR) for perforation based on the presence of septa.

Main Results:

  • The overall incidence of sinus membrane perforation was 19%.
  • Perforation occurred in 39.76% of cases with septa versus 12.33% without septa.
  • Sinus septa were significantly associated with a 4.03-fold increased risk of perforation (OR: 4.03, 95% CI: 1.77, 9.19), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 87%).
  • Evidence quality for septa was very low.
  • Data on lateral wall thickness was too heterogeneous for meta-analysis, showing conflicting results.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of sinus septa significantly elevates the risk of membrane perforation in maxillary sinus lift surgery, based on very low-quality evidence.
  • Current evidence regarding the association between lateral wall thickness and perforation risk is conflicting, precluding definitive conclusions.