Association between maxillary sinus dimensions and midface width: 2-D and 3-d volumetric cone-beam computed tomography cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: Evaluating the association of maxillary sinus dimensions and the maxillary arch dimensions may help to understand the interrelationship between the maxillary sinus and the anatomical facial features. The study aimed to investigate the correlation of the 2-D and 3-D maxillary sinus dimensions with the linear measurement of the maxillary arch width (MAW) in adult individuals. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using 54 cone-beam computed tomography scans obtained from patients starting their treatment in dental clinics of dental college, Jazan University. Maximal vertical diameter (maximal height) of the maxillary sinus (MSH), maximal horizontal diameter (maximal width) of the maxillary sinus (MSW), maximal anteroposterior diameter (maximal length) of the maxillary sinus (MSL), MAW, and maxillary sinus volume (MSV) were measured and recorded using 3-D Slicer software. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rho-ρ) was used to analyze the strength and type of the relationship between variables. Results: In both males and females, moderate to strong correlation (ρ range between 0.65 and 0.80) was observed between MSV for all linear measurements of the maxillary sinuses on both sides. The maxillary sinus length showed the weakest correlation with MAW in both genders Conclusion: The relationship of MAW with MSV on both sides shows a stronger correlation than its relationship with all 2-D linear measurements of maxillary sinuses. Clinical significance: The clinician should take into consideration the structure and function of the maxillary sinus when treating the midfacial structures for trauma or congenital malformations.