The influence of sinus membrane thickness upon membrane perforation during lateral window sinus augmentation

Objectives To investigate: (1) sinus membrane thickness in patients receiving lateral window sinus augmentation via cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and (2) the influence of Schneiderian membrane thickness upon membrane perforation during lateral window approach. Material and methods A total of 73 subjects with 81 sinus lift procedures between years 2010 and 2013 were recruited consequently. Each patient selected had CBCT images in initial and immediately after surgery. The values and correlation between variables of membrane thickness, perforation rate, membrane morphology, residual bone height, and elevated bone height were evaluated. Results The mean thickness of the Schneiderian membrane was 1.32 ± 0.87 mm. Perforation rate was lowest (7.14%) when membrane thickness was 1–1.5 mm. As membrane became thicker (≥2 mm) or thinner (<1 mm), the perforation rate increased abruptly. When examined the membrane thickness category, Class B (between ≥1 mm and <2 mm) had the lowest perforation rate. Statistically significant correlation was found between the perforation and the membrane thickness. The amount of the remaining bone height did not significantly correlate to the membrane thickness nor influence the membrane perforation. Conclusions This study demonstrated that membrane thickness was related to the sinus perforation during lateral window sinus augmentation. The perforation rate was lowest when the membrane thickness was 1–1.5 mm.