Morphometric Analysis of Frontal Sinus Dimensions Using Digital Radiographs

Abstract

The present study was aimed to evaluate the importance of combined use of frontal sinus dimensions and evaluating possible implications. The study was retrospective and intended to measure dimensions on 60 digital radiographs (PA Caldwell's View) of age group 20 to 50 years. The Institutional Ethical Committee approved the research protocol. Inclusion Criteria was taken as radiographs with good image quality and absence of any artefact. Radiographs of individuals with bilateral complete frontal sinus development were included while radiographs are exhibiting pathology like, e.g. mucous retention within the frontal sinus, aplasia (unilateral and bilateral) or rudimentary frontal sinus excluded from the study. Parameters measured were maximum height, width on both sides and symmetry of frontal sinus. Out of 60 radiographs five were excluded from the study (2 frontal sinus aplasia and 3 unilateral frontal sinuses). The final study involved 55 radiographs (N=55) which constituted 28 males and 27 females. The mean values of maximum height and width were obtained. Symmetry was calculated using width. There were significant differences in average width and height of frontal sinus of males and females. The results of the study favour the radiographic evaluation and frontal sinus dimensions for identification in forensics and also it is useful for the management of sinus-related ailments.