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 materials, repair of injuries, sinus floor elevation). The goal of this study was to describe the arterial architecture of the maxillary sinus region in respect to sinus lift procedures. In 18 unfixed human cadavers, the arterial vessels of the head were injected with a mixture of latex and barium sulfate. 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 branches. The arterial supply of the maxilla originated from the posterior superior alveolar artery as well as from the infraorbital artery. In all specimens we found an intraosseous anastomosis between these two vessels. The oral mucosa in the area of interest is supplied by the posterior superior alveolar artery and the infraorbital artery, and an extraosseous anastomosis was found in 44% of our cases. The two anastomoses build up a double arterial arcade, supplying the lateral wall of the antrum and parts of the alveolar process. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.