Relationship between maxillary sinus findings, Schneiderian membrane thickness, and various skeletal malocclusions in a selected sample of ethnic Kashmiri population: A retrospective cone-beam computed tomography study

Abstract

Objective: There are very limited studies which have investigated the relationship between maxillary sinus findings and skeletal malocclusion based on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The objectives of this study were to determine the relationship between the patients' skeletal malocclusion and the maxillary sinus findings in ethnic Kashmiri population. Materials and Methods: A total of 45 CBCT scans were examined and divided into three groups according to skeletal classification. Two experienced observers reviewed the CBCT images and recorded all maxillary sinus findings. The patients' skeletal malocclusion, the thickness of the Schneiderian membrane, and the pathologic maxillary sinus findings were evaluated. Results: The maxillary sinus findings were classified into five groups: 0 = no finding, 1 = mucosal thickening, 2 = polypoidal thickening, 3 = partial opacification, and 4 = total opacification. The statistical analysis showed that there was no correlation between the skeletal malocclusion and pathological maxillary sinus findings. However, there were significant differences in the Schneiderian membrane thicknesses between the groups. Conclusion: The Schneiderian membrane thickness was significantly different for Class II and Class III patients (P = 0.002). It was lowest for Class II and highest for Class III group. The relationship between pathological maxillary sinus findings and skeletal malocclusions was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05).