Volumetric dimensions of the maxillary sinus affect infraorbital canal configurations? A CBCT study

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between maxillary sinus volume (MSV) and morphological variations of the infraorbital canal (IOC) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Secondary aims were to determine the frequency of IOC types and accessory canals, and to examine the relationship between them.

IOC variations were classified according to their protrusion pattern. IOC variations were classified into three patterns: Type 1 (canal embedded in the sinus roof), Type 2 (canal descending below the roof but still attached to it), and Type 3 (canal hanging within the sinus cavity). MSV was calculated using three-dimensional reconstruction. The presence of accessory canals was recorded. A one-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the relationship between IOC variations and MSV, while a chi-square test assessed the association between IOC types and accessory canal presence.

The most frequently observed IOC type was Type 2 (46.5%), followed by Type 1 (29.3%) and Type 3 (24.2%). The mean MSV for Type 1 IOC was lower than for Type 2 and Type 3 (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in MSV between Type 2 and Type 3 (p > 0.05). No significant relationship was found between the presence of accessory foramina and IOC types (p = 0.612).

Preoperative three-dimensional imaging of MSV and IOC variations is crucial for enhancing surgical precision and minimizing complications in maxillofacial procedures.