Assessment of Maxillary Sinus Changes After Le Fort I Osteotomy Surgery.

OBJECTIVE The goal of this retrospective study is to examine the changes of maxillary sinus volume, sinus membrane thickness (SMT) and the distance between the floor of maxillary sinus and ostium after Le Fort I osteotomy. METHODS A total of 30 patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy were evaluated just before and 1 year after the surgical operation. Linear and volumetric measurements were done via 3D-DOCTOR software on sectional and 3D images. RESULTS Decrease in maxillary sinus volume, increase in SMT and no change in distance between the floor of the maxillary sinus and ostium were detected after surgery. After surgery, SMT was found higher in advancement + impaction group. CONCLUSION This paper clarified that Le Fort I osteotomy affects the volume and thickness of the maxillary sinuses that may lead to deterioration of the ciliary activity and failure in the drainage which are predisposing factors for sinus pathologies. In maxillary osteotomies of later ages, maxillary sinus examination and follow-up should be performed regularly in order to maintain sinus health.