[Evaluation of B-scan ultrasound, 3-D ultrasound, roentgen diagnosis and sinus endoscopy in follow-up assessment of the maxillary sinus after sinus floor elevation].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine which technique--B-scan sonography, 3D sonography, X-ray, or endoscopy--is the most effective for diagnosis in changes of the maxillary sinus after sinus lift and simultaneous augmentation.


METHODS
In 33 patients the maxillary sinus was examined before sinus lift, 1 week and 6 months postoperatively with a 7.5-MHz linear scanner and 3D sonography. At the same time, the sonographic results were compared with the X-ray as well as the endoscopic results. Endoscopy of the maxillary sinus was only applied during the sinus lift operation and the abutment operation after 6 months.


RESULTS
A total of 56 operations of sinus lift and simultaneous augmentation with autogenous bone were carried out. Preoperatively, there where no pathological findings detectable in the maxillary sinus. One week postoperatively, the X-rays as well as the sonographic images revealed thickening of the mucosa in 40 maxillary sinuses. After the healing period of 6 months, polyposa was still detected in three cases sonographically, in the radiographic follow-up as well as endoscopically. The sonographic 3D imaging of the maxillary sinus improved the spatial visualization of postoperative changes in the maxillary sinus and the reliability of the diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to the lack of radiation, the cost effectiveness, and its reproducibility, sonography is suitable as a primary screening technique in recall. In cases of normal sonographic findings but clinical symptoms, CT, MRT, and endoscopy should be performed to exclude pathological processes of the posterior maxillary sinus.
Ludwig
A
A
Abteilung Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie, Universitätsklinik Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen. ludwig@med.uni-goettingen.de
Merten
H A
HA
Wiltfang
J
J
Engelke
W
W
Wiese
K G
KG
D000540:Alveolar Ridge Augmentation; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography