A novel approach to manage Schneiderian membrane perforation in the maxillary sinus floor augmentation: The "Sinus Pack" technique. A retrospective case-control study. Part 1/3

Purpose: This retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness of a technique for the management of maxillary sinus floor augmentation. Methods: Nineteen subjects [7 males, 12 females, mean age 53.3±10.5 (standard deviation) years], who experienced membrane perforation during lateral sinus lift procedure, were included. Perforations were managed either using the "Sinus Pack" technique (test, 11 subjects) or collagen membranes and resorbable sutures (control, eight subjects). Clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed. Results: The mean follow-up was 18.3± 11.7 months (range 5-40 months). A significantly lower mean vertical gain was observed in the control group (7.8± 0.9 mm), compared to the sinus pack approach (8.8± 0.9 mm) (P= 0.04), but both were effective for implant-prosthetic rehabilitation. Clinical significance: The "Sinus Pack" technique was effective in managing perforations during sinus floor elevation surgery, allowing the completion of the surgical procedure even in cases of large perforations.