Vascularized bone flap for access to the maxillary sinus.
OBJECTIVE
This article describes a vascularized bony window for access to the maxillary sinus and reports the clinical results.


METHODS
A bony U-shaped window in the anterior sinus wall was pedicled on the surrounding soft tissue and periosteum. After the described sinus was cleared of disease, the window was repositioned in its original site either using resorbable sutures or not. The method was used in 47 maxillary sinus operations in 45 patients. Twenty-four patients were followed-up for more than 48 months.


RESULTS
The vascularized bony window technique showed uneventful healing in all patients and none of the 24 patients reported any problems.


CONCLUSIONS
The vascularized bony window technique provides a large antrostomy, which gives good access and visibility and results in satisfactory postoperative healing.
Choung
P H
PH
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Korea.
Choung
Y H
YH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010521:Periosteum / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation; D011859:Radiography; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000379:methods; D013536:Suture Techniques