Evaluation of maxillary sinus volume in cleft alveolus patients using 3-dimensional computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the volume of the maxillary sinus in patients with cleft alveolus.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective, descriptive study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The 3-dimensional computed tomographic data of 218 maxillary sinuses of 109 patients with cleft alveolus were compared with those of 100 sinuses of 50 healthy individuals.

RESULTS

No significant difference in the maxillary sinus volume was found between the patients with cleft alveolus and the noncleft individuals. In the patients with cleft palate and alveolus, the maxillary sinus volume was significantly larger on the right side, but no significant difference was found between the cleft and noncleft sides.

CONCLUSIONS

The volume of the maxillary sinus in the patients with cleft alveolus is not different from that of the noncleft individuals. The information about the maxillary sinus is clinically important in executing such operations as endoscopic sinus surgery.