INCIDENCE OF SINUS SEPTA AND ACCURACY OF PANORAMIC RADIOGRAPH

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of antral septa and the accuracy of panoramic radiograph in identifying maxillary sinus septa. In addition, when panoramic radiograph led to a false diagnosis of more than majority, we analyzed findings of the panoramic radiograph. Patients and methods: This study included 180 patients who were radiographically examined before the surgery was done using both panoramic and computerized tomographic radiographs(CT scan), Samsung Medical Center from April 2003 to March 2006, and examined the incidence of antral septa, the false diagnosis rate of panoramic radiograph, and radiographic characters in case of false diagnosis. Only those bone lamellae were considered as septa that showed a height of at least 3.0mm. It was thus possible to exclude the alveolar recess. One oral and maxillofacial surgeon(OMFS) determined the presence or absence of sinus septa in CT scan, and five OMFS determined the presence or absence of sinus septa in panoramic radiograph. Results: The septa were observed in 81 of 360 sinuses(22.5%). All septa were oriented in a buccopalatal plane. More or less greater prevalence was observed in the second molar region(38.2%) but no predominant location was found. Panoramic radiograph led to false diagnosed septa in 361 of 1800 cases(20.1%). In case of false diagnosis of more than majority, superimposed image on zygomatic process was 44.1%, faint image in the region not related to sinus lifting 26.5%, faint image in the region related to sinus lifting 17.6%, and misconception for superimposed image 11.8% Conclusion: In this study we could get clinico-anatomical information of septum in the maxillary sinus. Compared to CT scan, panoramic radiograph can not clearly differentiate the sinus septa, but we consider that panoramic radiograph may improve its usefulness if we take additional modified panoramic radiograph and clinical exam.