Analysis of the linear geometric values of the maxillary sinuses in adults, and their gender differences
Authors:   he Danylo Halytsky National Medical University in Lviv, Cherkes M.B. ,   Lviv City Children's Clinical Hospital
Published: March 2021

Aim. To formulate general data about the linear geometric parameters of the maxillary sinuses using cone-beam computed tomography, and to determine possible gender influence on these indicators. Material and Methods. Primary examination group of 270 females and 230 males. After the initial examination, a group of patients with normal maxillary sinuses' variants was selected, which included 102 individuals (55 women and 47 men) aged 21-65 years with normally developed maxillary sinuses, without any pathology that would affect their size. The main method of research was cone-beam tomography performed on the Point 3DCombi 500, which allowed to determine two indicators: the maximum height and width of the maxillary sinuses. Investigations were performed in two planes: horizontal and frontal. Analysis of the data obtained during the computed tomography examination of the study group allowed to divide all subjects by gender - men and women. Results and Discussion. As a result of determining the geometric parameters of the maxillary sinuses in the horizontal and frontal planes on the processed computed tomograms, it was found that the width of the left maxillary sinus varied in a wide range from 21.1 mm to 39.4 mm, with the average of 31.16±0.76 mm. The width of the right maxillary sinus varied from 21.5 mm to 41.9 mm, with the average of 31.05±0.71 mm. The height indicators of the left maxillary sinus ranged from 23.6 mm to 50.8 mm, with the average values of 36.1±0.95 mm. The height of the right maxillary sinus ranged from 23.6 mm to 53.1 mm, with the average value of 36.73±1.01 mm. Analyzing the CT scans in the three dimensions, we determined the average geometric values of the left and right maxillary sinuses, respectively, by gender. Using Student's parameter and calculating the for the study, we were able to discover that gender unambiguously affected the geometric dimensions of the maxillary sinuses, namely, the width and depth of the sinuses. In all analyzed computed tomograms it could be clearly observed that both the width and depth of the maxillary sinus in men were much higher than in women. It was found that the average maximum width of the left maxillary sinus in women was 30.5±1.03 mm. and the right - 30.2±1.00 mm, while the maximum width of the left maxillary sinus in men was 31.93±1.14 mm, and the right maxillary sinus - 32.04±0.98 mm. As for the average values of the maximum height of the left maxillary sinus in women, it was 34.28±1.25 mm and the right maxillary sinus - 34.63±1.21 mm. In men, the average maximum height of the left maxillary sinus was 38.33±1.24 mm, and the right maxillary sinus - 39.26±1.45 mm. At the final stage of the study, we also determined whether the side ("right" / "left") affects the geometric dimensions of the maxillary sinuses. Based on the data from cone-beam computed tomography carried out in all cases, we can state that the geometric dimensions are not affected by the maxillary sinus side. Conclusions. The geometric features have been identified that are important for diagnosing the condition of the maxillary sinuses. The indicators of the maxillary sinus' width average within 31.1±0.73 mm. The height of the maxillary sinus averages within 36.4±0.98 mm. Gender comparison of individual maxillary sinuses' linear geometric parameters revealed that in all age groups, both width and depth in men were much higher than in women. The average maxillary sinuses' width in women ranged within 30.3±1.01 mm, and height - within 34.45±1.23 mm. In men, the average width of the maxillary sinuses ranged within 31.98±1.06 mm and height - within. 38.79±1.34 mm. It was established that the geometric dimensions of the maxillary sinuses were not affected by their left or right location. Only intravital research methods allow us to draw a number of conclusions about the size of the maxillary sinuses, taking into account such a structure as the mucous membrane, which impossible to perform on autopsied material. Key words: maxillary sinuses, computed tomography, linear values, adults, gender