CBCT assessment of maxillary sinus dimensions in a Saudi subpopulation: a retrospective study

The maxillary sinus (MS) exhibits interindividual anatomical variation influenced by sex, age, and craniofacial morphology. Understanding these variations is essential for surgical, endodontic, and implant planning. However, morphometric data for Saudi subpopulations, particularly from northern regions such as Ha'il, remain limited.

To assess MS morphometric dimensions using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a Saudi subpopulation from the Ha'il region and to evaluate variations according to sex, age, and laterality.

A retrospective CBCT-based cross-sectional study analysed 1,018 scans of Saudi adults aged 18-70 years. Sinus width, length, area, and perimeter were measured bilaterally on standardised coronal sections. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank, Kruskal-Wallis, and repeated-measures ANCOVA tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Males demonstrated significantly larger MS dimensions than females, particularly for area (p = 0.043), perimeter (p = 0.045), and width after covariate adjustment (p = 0.007). No significant age-related differences were observed across adult groups. Although right-left differences were statistically significant for all parameters (p < 0.01), the magnitude of asymmetry was minimal and clinically insignificant. Overall, MS dimensions remained stable throughout adulthood with a slight right-sided laterality predominance.

CBCT-based morphometric assessment of the MS in a Saudi subpopulation from the Ha'il region revealed significant sex-related differences, minimal laterality-related asymmetry, and stable dimensions across adult age groups. These region-specific normative data enhance anatomical understanding and support improved diagnostic accuracy and procedural safety in implantology, oral surgery, maxillofacial practice, and forensic applications.