Relation between paranasal sinuses and surrounding bone tissue

Abstract

Introduction. The formation and increase in volume of the paranasal sinuses occurs during the growth and development of the facial skull. Pneumatization of the sinuses and bone architectonics can have the variability. Understanding of the midfacial bones architectonics is a key to successes in osteosynthesis, reconstructive, orthognathic surgery, dental and maxillofacial implantation.

The aim. Study the individual features of the normal anatomical structure and architectonics of the midfacial bones and to develop the objective criteria for assessing the relationship between bone elements and airways using methods of computed tomography.

Materials and methods. 30 patients spiral computed tomograms with no signs of pathology were analyzed. Relations between volume and surface of the bony elements and airways, the ratio between the volume of bone and air cavities pneumatization index (PI) were determined.

Results. PI ranged from 0.8 to 1.9 and averaged 1.22 ± 0.29. Range from 0.9 to 1.5 was considered a normal ratio. Index values exceeding 1.5 indicated a sclerotic type of the midfacial bone structure, and less than 0.9 indicated a pneumatic type.

Conclusions. The anatomical structure, architectonics of the midfacial bones and the degree of their pneumatization are characterized by significant individual variability. For an objective integrated assessment of the bone architectonics of the midfacial area the ratio of the bone volume to the volume of the airways (PI) and the volume of bone to its surface area can be used.