Are zygomatic implants associated with maxillary sinusitis?

Abstract Aims of the study The purpose of the present study was to analyze the relation between zygomatic implants and symptomatic and radiological modifications of the maxillary sinuses. Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent zygomatic implant rehabilitation at the Clinic of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery of the University of Verona between January 2005 and May 2014 was designed. Primary predictor variable was time (pre- vs. postoperative). Concerning outcome variables, radiological findings in terms of thickened mucosa or opacification of the maxillary sinuses were evaluated in CT scansnusing the Lund-Mackay staging system. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 20 (SNOT-20). The parameters assessed underwent descriptive statistical analysis. Results The sample was composed of 41 subjects with a mean age of 54 years and 61% were female. Preoperatively, 12% had sinus findings. Postoperatively, 46% had sinus findings (p=0.0001 McNemar's paired test). Preoperatively, 12% had SNOT-20 score greater than 11. Postoperatively, 15% had SNOT-20 score greater than 11 (p=1 McNemar's paired test). Conclusions In accordance with literature data, the placement of zygomatic implants does not seem to be associated with severe rhinosinusitis complications. However, in a considerable number of patients asymptomatic radiological alterations of the paranasal sinuses were observed. It is therefore important to plan assessments of both the prosthestic and the peri-implant components of the procedure as well as of the postoperative homeostasis of the maxillary sinuses.