Arterial blood supply of the maxillary sinus

Knowledge of the arterial supply of the maxillary sinus region is essential for surgical treatment in this area (e.g., implantation of grafting materi als, repair of injuries sinus floor elevation). The goal of this study was to describe the arterial architecture of the maxillary sinus region in resp ect to sinus lift procedures. In 18 unfixed human cadavers, the arterial ve ssels of the head were injected with a mixture of latex and bariumsulfate. Afterward, the arteries entering the maxilla were prepared. The number and calibers as well as anastomoses were carefully documented. In addition, we measured the distance between the alveolar ridge and the lower main branche s. The arterial supply of the maxilla originated from the posterior superior a lveolar artery as well as from the infraorbital artery. In all specimens we found an intraosseous anastomosis between these two vessels. The oral muco sa in the area of interest is supplied by the posterior superior alveolar a rtery and the infraorbital artery, and an extraosseous anastomosis was foun d in 44% of our cases. The two anastomoses build up a double arterial arcad e, supplying the lateral wall of the antrum and parts of the alveolar proce ss. Clin. Anat. 12:417-421, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.