Cone-beam tomographic analysis of canalis sinuosus accessory intraosseous canals in the maxilla

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency, location and width of accessory canals (AC) of canalis sinuosus (CS) using cone beam computed tomography and compare our findings with recent literature. Additionally, intraosseous canals (IOC) in the sinus wall other than the CS were noted. A retrospective analysis of 219 scans from our university department was conducted. The registered parameters were age, sex, location and width of canals. Group A consisted of 201 (85 males and 116 females) adults ranged from 19 to 99 years of age (mean age = 47.5 years). A total of 136 patients (67.6%) presented at least 1 AC, of which 55 cases showed a foramen width greater than 1 mm (27.4%). Group B had a sample size of 18 adolescents (7 males and 11 females) with a range of age from 7 to 18 years (mean age = 15.8 years). Eight cases (44.4%) presented at least one AC, of which only 3 had a foramen width greater than 1 mm (3.6%). ACs were found to occur predominantly at central incisors region (Group A) and the left lateral incisor and canine as well as the central incisors regions (Group B). Adolescents showed a lower prevalence of accessory canals compared to adults. These findings supplement earlier reports on the anatomical variations of the intraosseous vessel and nerve conduits of the maxilla. Surgical interventions in this area can be planned more precisely, taking into account the three-dimensional imaging, thus possibly protecting these sensitive structures.