Evaluation of anatomic variations in the posterior superior alveolar artery – A Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) study

Abstract

Anatomical variation of the course of posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) within maxillary bone are vital information for surgeons before any maxillary surgery. This study was designed to evaluate the variations of PSAA by determining the prevalence of intraosseous PSAA and assessing the anatomical reference points and diameter of the PSAA. Comparison between dentate and edentulous alveolus was also done. One hundred CBCT images were included in this study to enumerate the prevalence of intraosseous PSAA in maxilla. Anatomical reference points which include the horizontal position of the PSAA and the vertical distance from the PSAA to the maxillary sinus floor and alveolar crest were identified. The diameter and horizontal position of PSAA were also analysed. The results were tested using independent t-test and chi square test. The PSAA was seen in 73.5% of the cases and 70.1% were located intraosseously. There was no significant difference in the vertical distance between PSAA and alveolar crest, as well as between maxillary sinus floor and alveolar crest for dentate and edentulous patients. Meanwhile, there was a significantly greater vertical distance between the PSAA and the maxillary sinus floor in edentulous (9.24 ± 4.75 mm) than in dentate patients (6.78 ± 3.43 mm) with p-value of 0.002. Mean diameter of the canal was 1.09 ± 0.43 mm. In conclusion, this study provides useful information regarding the most prevalent location and diameter of the PSAA which indicates the importance of preoperative evaluation through CBCT to reduce the risk of intraoperative bleeding that may complicate the treatment.