Volumetric analysis of maxillary sinus, sphenod sinus and pterygopalatin fossa in different skeletal malocclusions

This study aimed to examine the changes in maxillary sinus volume (MSV), sphenoid sinus volume (SSV), and pterygopalatine fossa volume (PPFV) in different skeletal malocclusions using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

CBCT images of 600 patients (318 females and 282 males) aged between 18 and 73 years (mean: 31.3 ± 12.9 years) were evaluated. Firstly, all patients were divided into classes according to their skeletal malocclusion. A threshold range between -1024 HU and -526 HU was applied for making paranasal sinuses. In all sections in all three planes, it was checked that MS, SS, and PPF were separated from other anatomical landmarks and the airway.

All MSV, SSV, and PPFV values ​​were found to be significantly higher in males than in females (p > 0.05). MSV was statistically significantly higher in Class III malocclusion than in Class I and II malocclusion (p < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference between Class I and II malocclusion (p > 0.05). No statistically significant correlation was found between SSV and skeletal malocclusion classes (p > 0.05). PPFV had the highest value in Class I malocclusion, followed by Class III and Class II, and there was a statistically significant difference between them (p < 0.05).

MSV, SSV, and PPFV have been observed to show significant changes depending on sexual dimorphism; MSV in Class III skeletal malocclusion, and PPFV in Class I skeletal malocclusion. Knowing the dimensions of the anatomy and anatomical structures specific to the individual before surgical interventions in these regions will also reduce the risk of complications.