ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to evaluate usefulness of results of measurements via computerized tomography of frontal sinus dimensions in sex determination.

In Bakırköy Training and Research Hospital, subjects who had performed maxillofacial computed tomography were included. Transvers diameters (width) were measured from axial images and anterior-posterior (depth) and cephalo-caudal diameters (height) were measured from sagittal reformatted images. Measurements were taken for both left and right frontal sinuses. The size of frontal sinuses on both sides were obtained using these parameters. These values were evaluated with independent t test. The variables were evaluated discrimination function analysis.

400 subjects were evaluated (200 males and 200 females) for the study (female/male: 200/200, mean age: 30.12 ± 10.2 years of age). All values for left and right transvers, cephalo-caudal and antero-posterior measurements showed significant differences between the sexes of the subjects. Males had significant increased values than females (p<0.001). In single discrimination analysis, the lowest accuracy rate was 55.5% for LH in males and 59.5% for RT in females. Highest observed accuracy rates were LAP (77.5%) and RAP (77%) in females and LAP (69%) in males. When, only the RAP and LAP values were added together, the accuracy rate was detected as 77.5% in females and 70.5% in males. If all measured values were included in the stepwise discrimination analysis, then the accuracy rate was detected as 80.5% in females and 71.5% in males.

The frontal sinus morphometric studies, particularly in multicultural societies, can provide important data for research. The data will be useful for forensic specialists and anthropologists, as well as craniofacial surgeons and dentists who perform endoscopic and surgical procedures in related anatomical structures.

Keywords: Frontal Sinus, Sex Determination, Computerized Tomography