A Simple Method of Barrier Membrane Fixation for Large Sinus Membrane Tears

Maxillary sinus grafting, a common surgical technique for adding bone to the subantral maxilla, is sometimes complicated by tears to the delicate schneiderian membrane with which it is lined. These tears can allow migration of graft material into the sinus, as well as promote seeding of bacteria into the graft site. These tears are often mitigated by placing a barrier membrane over the tear. However, the very act of placing the graft can dislodge, or at least obscure, the position of the barrier membrane. The purpose of this report is to describe a simple method of fixing the barrier membrane by notching the lateral window in coordination with cuts in the barrier membrane. This technique has been used by the senior author (F.M.L.) for several years with consistent success.