Morphometric evaluation of the frontal sinus in relation to age and gender in subjects residing in Davangere, Karnataka

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the study was morphometric evaluation of the frontal sinus in relation to age and gender and to establish its forensic importance and application. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study group consisted of 200 subjects (100 males and 100 females) in the age groups 14-20 years, 21-30 years, 31-45 years, 45 years and above. Posteroanterior (PA) cephalogram radiographs were taken using standardized technique. The processed films were traced and frontal sinus pattern was established as per Yoshino's classification system. RESULTS: The mean values for length, width, and area of the frontal sinus were found to be higher in males as compared to females and area of frontal sinuses increase with age except in males who were 45 years and above. The left width, left area, and bilateral asymmetry in relation to gender was found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The morphologic evaluation of frontal sinus is a useful technique to determine gender and seems promising in personal identification.