A CBCT based analysis of the correlation between volumetric morphology of the frontal sinuses and the facial growth pattern in caucasian subjects. A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between frontal sinus shape and facial growth pattern. Methods The three-dimensional examination was carried out by means of 80 CBCT scans selected from a sample of 1247 records of patients treated, for different reason, at the Department of Biomedical Surgical and Dental Sciences at University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan. The sample (age ranges between 12 and 40 years) was divided according to gender and age in four groups (12-17, 18-20, 21-30, 31-40). Left and right frontal sinus volume (VOL), surface (SUP) and linear maximum width (XMAX), depth (ZMAX) and height (YMAX) were calculated using Mimics Research 17.0 (Materialise N.V., Leuven, Belgium). Cephalometric analysis has been performed for all subjects to categorize the patients depending on their facial growth pattern. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were performed to investigate any association of frontal sinuses measurements (height, width, depth, volume and surface) and cephalometric variables. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 160 frontal sinuses were measures in 80 patients: 40 men and 40 women, average age of 23.5 ±14.6. Globally the frontal sinuses had the following average dimensions: volumes of 9055.8 ± 6505 mm3 and surfaces of 3820.3 ± 2125 mm2. The statistical analysis showed that frontal sinus volume was statistically significant (p=0.003) greater for male (11,425 mm3) than female (6597.5 mm3). Similarly, the surface showed to be greater in men than in women (p=0.005). No correlation between age and frontal sinuses characteristics has been found. A statistically significant (p<0.05) increase of frontal sinus depth, surface and volume was correlated with SNB angle. In addition, frontal sinus volume increased in subjects with greater anterior skeletal dimension values and with a superior length of the cranial base. Furthermore, a decrease of ANB has been found related to an increase in frontal sinus volume (p=0.04). Conclusions The present study showed a correlation between frontal sinuses dimensions and craniofacial aspects, despite the inter-individual variability of their morphology. The results suggested that young adults in whom the frontal sinuses have reached their maximum size, while vertical growth continues, a larger frontal sinus may be associated with future vertical growth.

Volumetric Assessment of the Frontal Sinus in Female Adolescents and Its Relationship with Craniofacial Morphology and Orthodontic Treatment: A Pilot Study

“…The average size and volume of the frontal sinus before orthodontic treatment were 45.8 ± 12.3 mm in breadth, 29.8 ± 7.3 mm in height, 22.7 ± 5.1 mm in depth, and 5151.6 ± 2711.4 mm 2 in volume. These values were nearly consistent with those of previous studies [ 8 , 9 , 17 ]. Furthermore, no age-related differences in the frontal sinus size and volume were found in the present study, similar to previous studies [ 8 , 9 ].…”

“…These values were nearly consistent with those of previous studies [ 8 , 9 , 17 ]. Furthermore, no age-related differences in the frontal sinus size and volume were found in the present study, similar to previous studies [ 8 , 9 ]. Using radiographic examination of the frontal sinus, Brown et al [ 18 ] reported that the main expansion of the sinus ceased at the age of 15.68 years in males and 13.72 years in females.…”

“…With technological advancements in CT, growing evidence suggests the critical role of paranasal sinuses in craniofacial growth and orthodontic treatment [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. In the present study, the three-dimensional size and volume of the frontal sinus were measured using CT images taken before orthodontic treatment in female adolescents.…”

Incidental Finding in Pre-Orthodontic Treatment Radiographs of an Aural Foreign Body: A Case Report

“…The authors [14,15] reported a low percentage (0.16%) of cases of incidental findings of a foreign body, but they emphasized the importance for the orthodontist to carefully analyze the pre-orthodontic treatment radiographs not only from an orthodontic point of view. In specific cases such as craniofacial malformations, impacted teeth, etc., a three-dimensional imaging technique such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is needed [16][17][18]. Some research studies have shown that incidental findings observed in CBCT scans can report a frequency of up to 92% [19,20].…”

Cone Beam Computerized Tomographic Analysis of Collum Angle of the Maxillary Central Incisors in Different Types of Malocclusion: Comparative Assessment in Saudi, Jordan and Egypt Subpopulation

“…The corresponding angle between these two longitudinal axes is defined as the crown to root angle and therefore, the CA is the supplementary angle of the crown to root angulation, used to correlate the angular difference between the two axes [ 3 ]. The CA of single rooted teeth is crucial in the field of dentistry especially orthodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics and implantology since a variation in CA might affect the prognosis of many dental treatments [ 4 ].…”