Frontal Sinus as an aid in Gender Identification in Forensic Dentistry: A Retrospective Study using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

JOURNAL TITLE: World Journal of Dentistry

Author
1. Almas Binnal
2. Anu S Jacob
ISSN
0976-6006
DOI
10.5005/jp-journals-10015-1503
Volume
9
Issue
1
Publishing Year
2018
Pages
4
Author Affiliations
    1. Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Mangaluru, Karnataka India
    1. Department Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
  • Article keywords

    Abstract

    Aim

    The aim of our study was to measure the frontal sinus morphology that could aid us in gender determination and also to assess the difference in measurements between the right and left frontal sinus.

    Materials and methods

    A retrospective study was done using 100 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images (50 males and 50 females) matched with age and gender with full field of view (FOV). The examinations were carried out using Promax 3DMid (Planmeca Oy., Helsinki, Finland) CBCT unit. The frontal sinus was assessed in coronal, sagittal, and axial planes, and the maximum measurements in each section were recorded. The results to compare the right and left frontal sinus were analyzed using paired t-tests, and independent Student's t-test was used to compare the difference in measurements of frontal sinus between males and females.

    Results

    We found that the left side of the frontal sinus was bigger than the right side, and while comparing between the genders, it was found that the measurements were greater in males. Statistically significant results were obtained on comparing between the sides and gender.

    Conclusion

    As mentioned in previous studies, frontal sinus measurements are significantly higher in males compared with females which can, therefore, be used in gender identification in cases of mass disasters.

    Clinical significance

    Frontal sinus measurements can be used as an adjunct in gender identification in mass disasters and with advances in technology. Cone beam computed tomography, in addition to providing accurate measurements, has overcome all the disadvantages with two-dimensional imaging.

    How to cite this article

    Denny C, Jacob AS, Ahmed J, Natarajan S, Binnal A, Sujir N. Frontal Sinus as an aid in Gender Identification in Forensic Dentistry: A Retrospective Study using Cone Beam Computed Tomography. World J Dent 2018;9(1):34-37.

    © 2019 Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.   |   All Rights Reserved