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Abstract Aim: Sinus lifts are a predictable method of augmenting the height of bone in maxillary posterior sextants. These procedures can be complicated by anatomical factors, such as the presence of interfering bony septa in the sinus. The objectives of this study were to investigate the incidence of interfering septa in patients undergoing sinus lifts and to see if the presence of interfering septa increased the chance of intra‐operative membrane perforation. Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study assessed presence of interfering antral septa and their effect on Schneiderian membrane elevation in 45 patients with pneumatised sinuses undergoing sinus lifts. Chart audits and radiographic assessments were performed for 52 surgeries. The sinus lift procedure followed established guidelines. Presence of septa and occurrence of perforations were noted, and when perforations occurred, they were repaired with resorbable membranes. Results: Septa were present in 40% of cases, and were found to be ‘interfering’ septa in 28.8% of cases. Membrane perforation occurred in 11.5% of cases. There was no statistically significant association between the presence of interfering septa and membrane perforation. Conclusion: With enough experience and appropriate armamentarium and technique, an operator can overcome the presence of an interfering antral septum during a sinus lift procedure such that it does not increase the chance of perforating the Schneiderian membrane during elevation.
Malkinson et al. (2009) studied this question.