Assessment of the Sinus Septa Using CBCT: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Asir-Region Population, Abha Residents

Background: Anatomical variations of the maxillary sinus, including the septa, can affect surgical outcomes. This study aimed to present the characteristics of maxillary sinus septa in an Asir-region cohort using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: Archival adult CBCT scans of patients at the King Khalid University College of Dentistry were reviewed in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Septa were measured in axial, coronal, and sagittal planes and classified as vertical, oblique, or horizontal. Correlations between the characteristics of the septa and both age and sex were analyzed. Results: Of the 400 CBCTs randomly selected between May-August 2025, 350 were suitable for analysis; among them, only 26 patients (53.8% male; age, <30 years) presented with sinus septa. The septa were unilateral in 16 (61.5%) and bilateral in 10 (38.5%) patients, without any significant differences based on sex (χ² = 0.248; p = 0.619) or age (χ² = 5.491; p = 0.139). Oblique and horizontal orientations were most common on the right (n = 10) and left (n = 11) sides, respectively; no associations were observed with sex (p > 0.05). The mean mediolateral length and septal height ranged from 7.8 to 10.3 mm and ~8.2 to 8.5 mm, with no sex- or age-related differences. Septal thickness did not vary by age (p > 0.05). Pathologic mucosal findings were infrequent and showed no association with septal location or side. Conclusions: These findings provide region-specific data on maxillary sinus septa in the Asir-region cohort, contributing to the understanding of anatomical variations before planning surgical interventions.