The use of micro-titanium mesh for maxillary sinus wall reconstruction

Operations on the maxillary sinus can lead to extensive bony defects of the facial and laterodorsal walls of the sinus. If there is no autogenous bone material available, the problem is to find a suitable substitute for reconstruction. We examined the suitability of micro-titanium mesh for reconstruction of the walls of the maxillary sinus. In 13 adult patients large defects of the walls of the maxillary sinus were reconstructed using micro-titanium mesh. Indications for operation were tumours, large dental-type cysts, traumatic bone loss and chronic inflammation in sinuses which had been previously operated on. Clinical and radiological examinations were carried out immediately after surgery and after a 3 months interval. Control by sinuscopy was performed in all patients. Great importance was attached to the following aspects: 1. correctly shaped reconstruction of the maxillary sinus 2. prevention of soft tissue prolapse into the sinus 3. aeration of the maxillary sinus 4. preservation of the facial contour