THREE-DIMENSIONAL CT-BASED MORPHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT OF THE MAXILLARY SINUS

The maxillary sinus demonstrates marked anatomical variability, which has important implications for sinus ventilation, surgical access, and implant planning. While computed tomography (CT) remains the standard modality for anatomical assessment, conventional two-dimensional measurements may inadequately represent complex three-dimensional structures.

The aim of our study was to perform a three-dimensional CT-based morphometric analysis of the maxillary sinus using 3D Slicer software and classical statistical methods, focusing on volumetric characteristics, wall thickness, bone density, and their interrelationships.

CT datasets of adult subjects without sinonasal pathology were analyzed. Three-dimensional segmentation and reconstruction of the maxillary sinus were performed using 3D Slicer. Linear dimensions, sinus volume, wall thickness, and bone density were measured. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and Bland-Altman agreement analysis.

Maxillary sinus volume demonstrated strong correlations with wall thickness parameters, particularly the superior and medial walls. Three-dimensional measurements revealed systematic differences compared to planar CT measurements, with higher and more consistent wall thickness values. Bone density measurements showed stable distributions across sinus walls.

Three-dimensional CT-based analysis using 3D Slicer provides a reliable and anatomically accurate approach for evaluating maxillary sinus morphology. Classical statistical analysis confirms meaningful structural relationships that are not fully captured by two-dimensional measurements.