Morphometric evaluation of the frontal sinus in relation to age
1Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University, 47 Cuza Voda street, Iasi 6600, Romania. cfatu@umfiasi.ro
Insights
Frontal sinus size develops throughout childhood and adolescence, reaching adult dimensions by age 19. This study tracked frontal sinus growth and changes, noting variations due to environmental factors and age-related bone resorption.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Radiology
- Anthropology
Background:
- The frontal sinus, a key anatomical feature, exhibits significant developmental changes throughout an individual's lifespan.
- Understanding frontal sinus development is crucial for fields ranging from forensic anthropology to surgical planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental trajectory of frontal sinus size across different age groups and genders.
- To analyze morphometric changes in the frontal sinus from childhood to old age.
Main Methods:
- Planar morphometry was performed on 60 frontal radiographs from individuals of varying ages and genders.
- Professional software (Bersoft Image 4.02) was utilized to measure the frontal area of both right and left frontal sinuses.
Main Results:
- Frontal sinuses were evident by age 4, with absence noted in 5% of cases (unilateral or bilateral).
- Sinus area size increased significantly up to age 19, correlating with general craniofacial growth.
- Adult sinuses showed individual variations influenced by environmental factors; elderly patients exhibited osseous resorption leading to enlargement.
Conclusions:
- Frontal sinus development is closely linked to craniofacial growth, with significant expansion occurring during childhood and adolescence.
- Age-related changes, including osseous resorption in the elderly, can alter frontal sinus dimensions, potentially impacting surgical interventions in the sinonasal region.
Abstract:
To investigate the development of the frontal sinus size during life, we studied the planar morphometry in 60 frontal radiographs of patients of different age and gender. A professional software (Bersoft Image 4.02) was used to measure the frontal area of the right and left frontal sinuses on radiographic images. A frontal sinus was already evident in 4-year-old children. Unilateral or bilateral absence of the frontal sinus was seen in 5% of cases. The size of the sinusal area increases up to 19-year-old patients, synchronous with general craniofacial growth. In adults, individual differences in size and shape occurred in relation to environmental factors. In some elderly patients, osseous resorption led to an enlargement of the frontal sinus that might complicate surgical procedures performed in this area.
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