Radiological Evaluation of the Posterior Superior Alveolar Artery on Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images: A Retrospective Study
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: The perfusion of the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus and the overlying membrane is provided by the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) and infraorbital artery. The aim of our study is to evaluate the incidence, location, and diameter of PSAA in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus due to its importance in surgical approaches involving the maxillary sinus. Material and Methods: In this study 300 maxillary sinuses were retrospectively analyzed in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 150 individuals. The presence of PSAA on the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus, its location was evaluated and the diameter and its perpendicular distance to the inferior and medial walls of the maxillary sinus and the alveolar crest were measured on CBCT images. Data were statistically analyzed with descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Pearson chi-square tests. Results: PSAA was detected in 205 (68.3%) of 300 maxillary sinus. The PSAA diameter was measured as a minimum of 0.2 mm and a maximum of 4.10 mm. PSAA was observed as 20% superficial, 53.7% intraosseous and 26.3% intrasinus positioned. A statistically significant relationship (p=0.00) was found between PSAA diameter, the perpendicular distances of PSAA from the inferior wall and alveolar crest, and gender. The increase in PSAA diameter and PSAA distance from the alveolar crest with age was found statistically significant (p=0.02, p=0.34). Conclusion: It is important to know the anatomy of the region to perform preoperative CBCT examination to achieve higher success in surgical procedures and to prevent vascular damage in the maxillary sinus.
Language: English
Subfield: Oral Surgery
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4401896145