The Frontal Sinus Cavity Exhibits Sexual Dimorphism in 3D Cone‐beam CT Images and can be Used for Sex Determination

Abstract

Few studies have assessed the use of the frontal sinus cavities for sex differentiation. In this study, a new methodology was used to assess the reliability of CBCT images of the frontal sinus cavity for determining sex based on the sexual dimorphism found in this anatomical structure. The survey sample consisted of 130 scans that were reconstructed three-dimensionally. 3D images of the cavity volume in the frontal, lateral, and basal views were exported in TIFF. The following variables were measured in a second program: area, perimeter, bounding rectangle, ellipse fit, circularity, aspect ratio, roundness, solidity, and Feret's diameter. The methodology demonstrated the existence of sexual dimorphism with an accuracy of 80.0% in the logistic regression model. The basal view had the greatest explanatory power in the final model. This methodology may be used as an alternative way of determining a reliable biological profile during the analysis of skeletal remains.

Biological relationships and frontal sinus similarity in skeletal remains with known genealogical data

“…This suggests that although there are sex differences evident within normal populations, i.e. in randomly selected unrelated individuals (Uthman et al ., 2010; Sai Kiran et al ., 2014; Benghiac et al ., 2015; Michel et al ., 2015; Akhlaghi et al ., 2016; Hamed et al ., 2016; Motawei et al ., 2016; Choi et al ., 2018), the sex differences are not noticeable within families. We do not have to take into account the sex of individuals when investigating family relationships.…”

“…The formation and variability of craniofacial pneumatization is a relevant subject in research, particularly in terms of its evolutionary aspects, function, development issues, medical relevance and use in forensic practice (Butaric and Maddux, 2016; Choi et al ., 2018; Godinho and O’Higgins, 2018; Nikolova et al ., 2018). In research on pneumatization, increasing attention is being paid to the frontal sinuses.…”

“…First, are there any significant differences between males and females within families in frontal sinus measurements? Whereas significant sex differences in frontal sinus size across different populations have been demonstrated (Akhlaghi et al ., 2016; Choi et al ., 2018; Čechová et al ., 2019), the unresolved question remains as to whether there are significant differences within families. Therefore, we seek to verify that we do not have to take the sex of individuals into account when detecting family relationships because sexual differences are not significant among biologically related individuals.…”

The fundaments of cbct and its use for evaluation of paranasal sinuses: review of literature

“…A CBCT air way segmentation scheme will provide extra information in the case of patients who have already undergone CBCT scans for other treatments such as orthodontics without the need of a high radiation dose of MDCT 18 . Furthermore, the frontal sinus cavity can be segmented and reconstructed for determining sex and person identification 35 .…”

Técnicas de identificação humana em Odontologia Legal

“…A identificação humana é de fundamental importância para sociedade, seja pelas considerações humanitárias ou por sua aplicação em processos cíveis e criminais (Choi et al, 2018). Vários métodos foram desenvolvidos para se estabelecer a identidade individual; para reconhecimento são amiúde considerados o reconhecimento visual de peças de vestuário e itens pessoais.…”