Evaluation of Maxillary Sinus Dimensions Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Egyptian Population

Abstract

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the possible variation in dimensions of maxillary sinuses in Egyptian population using CBCT. Subjects and Methods: 120 CBCT of bilaterally maxillary sinuses of adult Egyptians of both sexes with ages ranging from 20 to 50 years were randomly selected. Then CBCT images were grouped according to gender, age and side. Three measurements in millimeters (width, depth, height), were taken on the axial and coronal cross sections. Results: Right and left height was statistically significant difference in male group than in female group (P<0.005). There was not statistically significant difference in dimensions between any age group and any another age group. It was difference between right and left sides of maxillary sinus, but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: mean values of maxillary sinuses dimensions of males were found to be larger than these of females and this difference was statistically significant only for height dimensions. INTRODUCTION Maxillary sinus is a pneumatic space with its base adjacent to the nasal wall and apex pointing to the zygoma. It is the largest bilateral air sinus located in the body of the maxilla and opens in the middle nasal meatus of the nasal cavity with single or multiple openings. It varies greatly in size, shape, and position not only in different individuals (1) Maxillary sinus is located in the left and right maxillary bones and consists of two air filled cavities lined with mucosa. Maxillary sinus tends to appear at the end of the second embryonic month and complete by the age of 18 to 20 years. The primary components of any skeletal analysis in forensic sciences are age and sex determination. (2) Considering the complex structure of maxillary sinus, diagnostic methods like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are used as gold standard to evaluate the true anatomy of sinuses. (3)