KUMJ | VOL. 19 | NO. 1 | ISSUE 73 | JAN.-MARCH, 2021
Predictability of Sex from Frontal Sinus in Nepalese Population
Singh PK, Paudel RC, Menezes RG
Abstract: Background
Various methods had been used for personal identification. Scientific basis of
identification was initiated and progressed after 19
th
century which may be attributed
to various scientists. With the invention of X-ray the field of identification further
progressed. Modern radiological diagnostic equipments have greatly assisted in the
field of forensic. Frontal sinuses are paired lobulated air cavities located posterior to
superciliary arches in the frontal bone. Computed Tomography is best used to study
frontal sinuses.
Objective
To evaluate bilateral Frontal sinus for sexual dimorphism using Computed
Tomography.
Method
Anterior posterior length, transverse width and height of the bilateral Frontal sinus
were directly measured on CT DICOM image, using Electronic Caliper in DICOM
viewer software. A total 100 CT scans, 50 of each sex were collected was analysed
using SPSS-20 in present study.
Result
The mean age distribution for male is 34.74±8.66, and for females 35.34±8.88. The
mean of all the measurements take was larger in males in comparison to females
with p < 0.00. The paired t test showed left side is larger than right. The discriminant
function showed high significance for each measurement and also when all the
measurements were combined.
Conclusion
Though the study being unique for Nepalese population, caution should be taken
when frontal sinus is used as the only parameter. However in combination with other
morphometric data is advised.
Keyword : Computed tomography, Frontal sinus, Identification, Lobulated air cavities, Sexual dimorphism, Superciliary arches