Impact of Le Fort I Osteotomy on Maxillary Sinus Mucosal Thickness: A Retrospective CT Study

Background:This study aimed to investigate changes in maxillary sinus mucosal thickness (MT) before and after Le Fort I osteotomy using CT imaging, and to determine whether these changes vary based on preoperative classifications of mucosal thickening.Methods:In this retrospective study, 57 adult patients who underwent Le Fort I or Le Fort I with BSSRO surgery between 2018 and 2022 were included. Patients with systemic diseases, prior sinus surgeries, maxillofacial trauma, or sinusitis were excluded. CT scans were evaluated preoperatively and six months postoperatively. Mucosal thickness was measured using a standardized method and classified according to the system developed by Tadinada et al. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired t-tests.Results:Postoperative increases in mucosal thickness were observed in patients with minimal preoperative thickening (Type I), while reductions were noted in patients with severe preoperative thickening (Type IV). The changes in mucosal thickness were statistically significant for Type I (p = .002) and Type IV (p = .023), while Type II and III classifications showed non-significant trends.Conclusion:Le Fort I osteotomy can significantly affect maxillary sinus mucosal thickness, with the extent and direction of change depending on the preoperative classification. These findings underscore the importance of preoperative CT evaluation and postoperative monitoring to prevent sinus-related complications.Keywords:Le Fort I osteotomy, maxillary sinus, mucosal thickening, CT imaging, sinus health