Effect of Schneiderian membrane perforation on sinus lift graft outcome using two different donor sites: a retrospective study of 105 maxillary sinus elevation procedures

Background: Sinuslift is meanwhile an established method of bone augmentation in the posterior maxilla. Aim of the study was to evaluate the significance of intraoperative Schneiderian membrane perforations during maxillary sinus floor elevation surgery using autogenous bone harvested from two different donor sites using a Safescraper device on the success rate, graft survival and implant integration. Methods: The investigators conducted a retrospective cohort study at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Military Hospital Ulm composed of patients with severe maxillary atrophy who underwent sinus augmentation from January 2011 until December 2011. Ninetynine consecutive patients (89 men, 10 women) with a mean age of 43.1 years underwent sinus graft procedures in a 2-stage procedure using the lateral wall approach, as described by Tatum (1986). Data on patient age, smoking status, donor site and surgical complications were recorded and the relationship between Schneiderian membrane perforation and complication rate was evaluated. Dental implants were inserted 4 months after grafting. Results: A total of 105 sinus lift procedures were performed in 99 patients. Sixty-one patients (61.6%) underwent sinus elevation with autogenous bone from the buccal sinus wall, while 38 patients (38.4%) bone harvesting from the iliac crest. Intraoperative perforation of the Schneiderian membrane was observed in 11 of the 105 sinuses (10.4%). These perforations resulted in 4 (36.3%) of the cases in major postoperative complications accompanied by swelling and wound infection. Membrane perforations were slightly associated with the appearance of postoperative complications (p=0.0762). In 2.4% of all cases, regarding 2 patients the final rehabilitation with dental implants was not possible because of extensive bone resorption. Conclusion: Intraoperative complications performing sinus augmentation may lead to postoperative complications. With careful clinical and radiographic evaluation and appropriate treatment, the complications and risk for graft material displacement and implant loss can be eliminated.