Gender Determination Through Maxillary Sinus Volumes: A Single-Center Computed Tomography Study.

Abstract

Purpose: To obtain values for gender determination using maxillary sinus measurements in human skeletal remains.

Materials and methods: The images of 520 patients who underwent paranasal computed tomography were analyzed. Height (cm): Superior wall to the lowermost point of the inferior wall of the sinus, coronal plane width (cm): Outermost point of the lateral wall to the medial wall, axial plane length (cm): Longest anterior to posterior measurement of the cavity, axial plane, measurements of maxillary sinuses were made.

Results: A statistically significant relationship exists between gender and the right maxillary sinus volume (χ² = 30.468; accuracy = 62%; p < 0.001). 63.88% (n = 168) of those with a volume below 17.49 cm³ were female, while 39.69% (n = 102) of those with a volume of 17.49 cm³ or higher were female. There is a statistically significant relationship between gender and the left maxillary sinus volume (χ² = 24.456; accuracy = 60%; p < 0.001). 63.95% (n = 149) of those with a volume below 18.08 cm³ were female, while 42.16% (n = 121) of those with a volume of 18.08 cm³ or higher were female.

Conclusion: In forensic skeletal cases with unknown sex, the length, width, height, and volumetric measurements of the maxillary sinus using CT can determine whether it belongs to a male or a female.