Volumetric Evaluation of Maxillary and Frontal Sinuses in 9–14 year old children — A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Pilot Study

Abstract

Context: Literature sums up numerous advantages of volumetric evaluation of maxillary and frontal sinuses in the field of pathology and forensic sciences. However, studies involving paediatric age groups are scarce. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the volumes of maxillary and frontal sinuses in children aged 9–14 years of age and establish a correlation, if any, between the volumes and the age and sex of the children. Settings and Design: A retrospective study. Materials and Methods: Volumetric measurements of the maxillary and frontal sinuses were conducted on CBCT scans of 30 children aged 9-14 years, divided into three groups, those aged 9–10 years in group A, 11-12 years in group B, and 13-14 years in group C. Statistical Analysis Used: One way ANOVA test to compare the sinus volumes within the groups and unpaired t-test to compare the difference in the volumes in males and females as well as between right and left maxillary sinuses were used. Results: The mean values of the volumes of the right and left maxillary, total maxillary, and frontal sinuses in Group A were 8.4940±1.1966 cm3, 8.3774±1.2047 cm3, 16.8714±2.1212 cm3, and 2.1903±0.8870 cm3; in Group B were 8.7553±0.9067 cm3, 8.3937±1.1461 cm3, 17.1490±1.5732 cm3, and 3.0469±1.5907 cm3; and in Group C were 11.9895±2.230 cm3, 12.6164±1.6797 cm3, 24.6059±4.38536 cm3, and 7.6546±1.7763 cm3, respectively. The difference in the values among all three age groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the values between males and females or between the right and left maxillary sinuses. Conclusion: The study provides volumetric data of maxillary and frontal sinuses in paediatric age groups and proposes a correlation of the volumes with the age of the children.