Maxillary Sinus Flashcards
What is the largest of the paranasal sinuses?
Maxillary sinus
The maxillary sinus is the largest paranasal sinus, crucial for various functions.
What shape is the maxillary sinus?
Pyramidal
The pyramidal shape of the maxillary sinus occupies the body of the maxilla.
What forms the base of the maxillary sinus pyramid?
Lateral wall of the nasal cavity
The lateral wall of the nasal cavity serves as the base of the maxillary sinus.
What is the apex of the maxillary sinus formed by?
Zygomatic process of the maxilla
The apex extends into the zygomatic process of the maxilla.
What is the outlet of the maxillary sinus called?
Hiatus semilunaris or ostium maxillar
This outlet is present in the nasal wall of the middle meatus.
Which nerves provide the nerve supply to the maxillary sinus?
- Superior dental nerves
- Infraorbital nerves
- Greater palatine nerves
These nerves contribute to the sensory innervation of the sinus.
What is the blood supply of the maxillary sinus derived from?
Internal maxillary artery via terminal branches of infraorbital artery
The blood supply is crucial for the sinus’s health and function.
How does venous drainage occur from the maxillary sinus?
Primarily into anterior facial vein and angular vein to inferior ophthalmic vein
This drainage system helps maintain sinus health.
Where does lymphatic drainage from the maxillary sinus go?
Submandibular nodes
Lymphatic drainage is important for immune response.
What process leads to the growth of the maxillary sinus?
Pneumotization
This process refers to the development of air spaces within the bone.
What are the average dimensions of the adult maxillary sinus?
- 34 mm in anteroposterior direction
- 33 mm in height
- 23 mm in width
The volume is approximately 15 cc.
What type of epithelium lines the maxillary sinus?
Pseudostratified, columnar, ciliated epithelium with goblet cells
This lining is characteristic of respiratory mucosa.
What are some functions of the maxillary sinus?
- Warming of inspired air
- Resonance of the voice
- Lightening the weight of the skull
- Thermal insulation to the forebrain
These functions are vital for respiratory efficiency and cranial support.
What are the clinical features of acute maxillary sinusitis?
- Pain referred to the cheek side
- Interference with smell
- Dental pain
- Foul nasal discharge
- Foul or salty taste (in case of oro-antral fistula)
These symptoms indicate inflammation and infection of the sinus.
What is the treatment for acute maxillary sinusitis?
- Antibiotics
- Decongestants
- Analgesics
- Irrigation & closure of oro-antral fistula (if present)
Treatment aims to alleviate symptoms and address underlying infections.
What clinical features characterize chronic maxillary sinusitis?
- Dull diffuse pain & headache
- Impaired smell sensation
- Soft tissue lump (in case of oro-antral fistula)
Chronic sinusitis often presents with milder symptoms compared to acute cases.
What is the treatment for chronic maxillary sinusitis?
Conservative treatment as in acute condition; Caldwell-luc operation if irreversible
Surgical intervention may be necessary for persistent cases.
What are antral rhinoliths?
Hard calcified bodies with a rough irregular surface, brownish in color
They can be asymptomatic unless secondary infected.
What types of cysts can affect the maxillary sinus?
- Benign mucosal cysts
- Periodontal cyst
- Dentigerous cyst
- Odontogenic kerato cysts
These cysts can originate from various dental issues.
What are some benign tumors that can affect the maxillary sinus?
- Osteoma
- Fibroma
- Fibro-osteoma
- Ameloblastoma
- Odontoma
These tumors are generally non-cancerous.
What are some malignant tumors that can affect the maxillary sinus?
- Adenocarcinoma
- Epidermoid carcinoma
- Malignant lymphoma
- Metastatic tumors from breast or lung carcinoma
- Malignant granuloma
Malignant tumors require aggressive treatment and management.
What is an oro-antral fistula?
Pathological communication between the oral cavity and the maxillary antrum
This condition can result from various dental procedures or trauma.
What clinical features indicate an oro-antral fistula?
- Regurgitation of fluids from the mouth into the nose
- Unilateral epistaxis
- Alteration in vocal resonance
- Difficulty in smoking
- Painless lump at the site of extraction (in chronic cases)
These features can help in diagnosing the condition.
What are the surgical closure techniques for an oro-antral fistula?
- Buccal sliding (advancement) flap
- Pedicle palatal flap (Ashley’s operation)
- Combined flap
These techniques aim to restore normal anatomy and function.
What are the post-operative instructions following oro-antral fistula surgery?
- Avoid negative or positive pressure inside the sinus
- Antibiotics
- Analgesics
- Nasal decongestant
- Soft diet
- Warm saline mouth wash
- Sutures are removed 10 - 12 days postoperatively
Proper care is essential for recovery.
What are the indications for a Caldwell-luc operation?
- Treatment of maxillary sinusitis
- Removal of foreign body from the sinus
- Surgical removal of sinus pathology (e.g., cyst or tumor)
- Removal of antral stone
- Sinus lifting
This operation is a common surgical approach for various maxillary sinus issues.
What type of incision is made for a Caldwell-luc operation?
Full-thickness semilunar incision at the mucogingival junction with extension into the vestibule
This incision allows for adequate access to the maxillary sinus.
