Caldwell-Luc Procedure — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: B — An upper buccal sulcus incision followed by creation of a bony window through the canine fossa
Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · A = shown as B · D = shown as C · E = shown as D · C = shown as E
The correct answer is A. The Caldwell–Luc procedure is an anterior transmaxillary approach: an incision is made in the upper buccal sulcus, a mucoperiosteal flap is raised, and a bony window is created through the canine fossa into the maxillary sinus. Option B describes an endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy rather than an open Caldwell–Luc approach. Option C describes a lateral-window sinus augmentation procedure, in which the Schneiderian membrane is elevated to permit bone grafting. Options D and E are superior and inferior approaches to the maxillary sinus through the orbital floor and hard palate, respectively, and are not Caldwell–Luc procedures.
Reference: Rezende NC et al. Three-hundred and sixty degrees of surgical approaches to the maxillary sinus, Caldwell–Luc anterior transmaxillary approach and Figure 3. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35619930/