Assessment of Position of Posterior Superior Alveolar Artery in Relation to Maxillary Sinus using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Introduction: Posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) is branch of the maxillary artery which usually supplies the lateral wall of the sinus and overlying membrane. Evaluation and awareness of the anatomy of maxillary sinus before surgery is crucial to avoid surgical complications. The aim of this study was to examine the position and diameter of PSAA using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods: CBCT images of 201 healthy individuals were examined to evaluate the presence, position, and diameter of PSAA. The distances of lower border of the artery to the alveolar crest, bone height below the sinus floor to the ridge crest, distance of the artery to the medial sinus wall were measured; also presence of sinus septa were recorded. Results: The PSAA was detected in 90.04%, and it was located intraosseously and extraosseously in 65.74% and 32.25% of the sample population, respectively. The mean diameter of the PSAA was 0.94 ± 0.46 mm. The mean PSAA to the medial wall distance was 14.56 ± 3.05 mm, PSAA to alveolar crest distance (dentate patients) was 15.92 ± 3.84 mm, respectively. In the maxillary sinuses examined only 7.7% showed the presence of septa. There was no statistically significant difference when position of PSAA was compared with gender and diameter of PSAA was compared with age and gender. Conclusion: The likelihood of detecting the PSAA on CBCT is high; its location is intraosseous or beneath the sinus membrane in most patients. A thorough understanding of the PSAA regarding its location, diameter, and related structures can avoid complications during surgery.