The anatomy study of the pterygopalatine fossa through the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus

Objective To study the important morphological features and the traveling rules and variations of the important blood vessels and nerves by simulating the path of the maxillary sinus into the pterygopalatine fossa for providing an anatomical reference data for clinical surgery.Methods The important signs of adult skull were observed in 10 patients(20 sides),then the microsurgical anatomy of wet skull specimens fixed by 10% formaldehyde had been made in another 10 patients(20 sides),through the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus,the blood vessels and nerves of the pterygopalatine fossa were observed and measured.Results A clear sight was provided on the super-posterior wall(1/3)of the maxillary sinus and 1cm area around the top point of the wall angle,and these were safer area to avoid injuring the brain.Conclusion The path of posterior wall of maxillary sinus into the pterygopalatine fossa is considered a less destroy and a clear exposure,so it is significant for clinical surgical treatment.