Modified Inverted Periosteal Flap Versus Buccal Advancement Flap Technique for Oroantral Fistula Repair: A comparison

Abstract

Oroantral fistula is a pathological and epithelised communication between pseudo stratified columnar ciliated epithelium of maxillary antrum and squamous epithelium of oral mucosa. Various techniques in literature point to the fact that repair of oroantral fistula is one of the most challenging problems in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Buccal advancement flap technique causes vestibular shortening, reduction in keratinized gingiva width with closure under tension thereby increasing the chances of wound dehiscence. On the other hand, Inverted periosteal flap preserves vestibular depth, maintains keratinized gingiva width providing true tension free closure. However, it is technically very challenging with maximum chances of perforation of delicate periosteal flap. A new Modified Inverted Periosteal Flap technique for oroantral fistula repair will eliminate all the potential complications and adverse effects of both the conventional buccal advancement flap and inverted periosteal flap procedures providing a true ideal closure.