Anatomo-radiological and morphometrical study of the frontal sinus in humans

ABSTRACT

An understanding of frontal sinus anatomy is important for clinical and forensic medicine. In this study, we examinedthe relationship between skull and sinus dimensions. Fifty human skulls were measured and radiographed in twoprojections (Caldwell’s view and in a lateral view) to visualize the paranasal sinuses. The radiological dimensions ofthe frontal sinus (height, width, thickness and area) were measured using the software Autocad R 14. The possiblecorrelations between the skull measurements and the sinus dimensions were examined. The frontal sinus was presentin all specimens. The maximum dimensions of the frontal sinus included a width of 49 to 79 mm, a height of 8 to 18mm, and an area of 0.5 to 9.5 mm2. A significant positive correlation was observed between the sinus area and theother dimensions of sinus. Thus, increase in dimensions also increased the sinus area. A weak positive correlation wasalso observed between the skull height and sinus thickness, and between skull length and frontal sinus area.Key words Anatomy, frontal sinus, morphology, radiology, skull.