The use of maxillary sinus dimensions in gender determination: a thin-slice multidetector computed tomography...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Medical Imaging
• Anatomy

Background:

• Gender determination is crucial in forensic identification.
• Anthropometric evaluation is a key method in forensic science.
• Maxillary sinus morphology offers potential for gender assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the utility of maxillary sinus morphometry for gender determination.
• To analyze morphometric parameters of maxillary sinuses using CT scans.
• To establish the accuracy of this method in distinguishing between male and female subjects.

Main Methods:

• Coronal and axial paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) scans with 1-mm slice thickness were utilized.
• Morphometric analysis of maxillary sinuses was performed on 140 subjects (70 males, 70 females).
• Measurements included anteroposterior, transverse, cephalocaudal dimensions, and volume.

Main Results:

• Maxillary sinuses were significantly smaller in females compared to males (P < 0.001).
• Discriminant analysis achieved an accuracy rate of 80% for females and 74.3% for males.
• The overall accuracy rate for gender determination was 77.15%.

Conclusions:

• Morphometric analysis of maxillary sinuses using 1-mm slice thickness CT is a valuable tool for gender determination.
• This method provides a reliable, non-invasive approach to forensic identification.
• Further research can refine this technique for improved accuracy in forensic applications.