Correlation Between Morphometric Parameters of Maxillary Sinus and Nasal Aperture as an Aid to Forensic Identification Using Cone Beam Ct: A Pilot Study

Purpose: Bone remodelling of the cranium determines the enlargement of the maxillary sinus. The process involves the resorption of the internal walls of the maxillary sinus minutely exceeding the growth of maxilla. During this process, there is bone deposition taking place at the medial border of the nasal cavity, and simultaneous resorption of the lateral wall of the nasal cavity. There are very few studies which depict the correlation of the growth of the maxillary sinus with that of changes in the dimensions of the nasal aperture. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine, compare and correlate the three- dimensional morphometric parameters of the maxillary sinus and nasal aperture in Karnataka and Kerala population, to utilize the data for the purpose of individual identification, sexual dimorphism or any other application in the field of forensic facial reconstruction and /or human identification. Materials and Methodology: This pilot study has been carried out by morphometric measurements between the Craniometric landmarks of the maxillary sinus and nasal aperture of 30 subjects, aged between 18 to 30 years. Results: Morphometric parameters of maxillary sinus and nasal aperture were seen to be statistically significant in few groups on comparision which can be applies for sexual dimorphism. Conclusion: Maxillary sinuses have been reported to stay intact even though the skull and other bones of the cranium may be severely disfigured in victims who are incinerated or during external trauma. These morphometric measurements of maxillary sinus like the width, the depth, and the height which aid to investigate the accuracy and reliability of maxillary sinuses can also be used for sex estimation. These dimensions can be correlated with the measurements of the nasal aperture and this will also give an insight into the development of the cranium. These measurements are also important anthropometric parameters for classifying the race and sex of the individual whose identity is unknown.