Evaluation of sexual dimorphism of maxillary sinus from morphometric measurements using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)- A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Gender determination is a standard practice in forensic science as it forms the prime phase in the reconstruction of a post-mortem profile. The maxillary sinus (MS) is the largest among the paranasal sinuses with characteristic morphological features. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging, widely popular now for its imaging accuracy, may be considered for recording morphometric measurements of maxillary sinuses for gender determination. Aim: To compare and analyze the applicability and accuracy of measurement parameters (length, width, height, and volume) for the evaluation of sexual dimorphism of MS. Methods: CBCT scans were used to measure the height, length, width, and volume of MS in 60 patients to identify an individual's gender for forensic evaluation. The parameters were analyzed using discriminant function analysis and independent t test to compare these values in both genders. Results: Combined measurements of all study parameters were analyzed, and an overall accuracy rate of 61.67% was observed. Conclusion: Morphometric measurement parameters of MS attained using CBCT seem to have a moderately good prediction value.

Keywords

• cone-beam computed tomography
• maxillary sinus
• sexual dimorphism