title: An Analysis of Frequency, Morphology, and Locations of Maxillary Sinus Septa Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the frequency, morphology, and locations of maxillary sinus septa using cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging of the entire maxillary sinus and to analyze factors influencing the presence or absence of septa.
  
  
  METHODS
  CBCT images of the maxilla taken during a 1-year study period (October 1, 2012, to September 30, 2013) were evaluated for the presence and type of septa as well as the health or pathology of the maxillary sinus. Differences in age, gender, type of dentition, septa location, and sinus pathology with regard to the incidence of sinus septa were analyzed statistically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study included 294 maxillary sinuses in 212 patients (126 women and 86 men) with a mean age of 53.8 years. Sinus septa were present in 141 patients (66.5%) and in 166 of 294 sinuses (56.5%). The most common orientation of the septa was coronal (61.8%), 7.6% were oriented axially, and 3.6% were aligned sagittally. Most septa were located on the floor of the maxillary sinus (58.6%), commonly (60.7%) in the region of the first and second molars. The maxillary sinuses were diagnosed in 36.4% of cases as healthy and without thickening of the sinus membrane. Sex was a significant variable in the health of the maxillary sinus; 57.7% of the sinuses in women and 72.3% in men were diagnosed as pathologic.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Septa are common anatomical structures and are most often found in the first or second molar region on the floor of the maxillary sinus. To prevent possible complications during sinus floor elevation procedures, a thorough three-dimensional radiographic examination of the sinus prior to surgery is recommended.
authors.forename: Michael M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Bornstein
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Seiffert
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Maestre-Ferrín
authors.forename: Ivo
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Fodich
authors.forename: Reinhilde
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Buser
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: von Arx
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D063405:Anatomic Variation; D002648:Child; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010254:Paranasal Sinus Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult