Computed Tomographic Measurements of Maxillary Sinus for Gender Determination in the Himachali Population

Sex determination is a crucial step in creating the biological profile of unknown human remains, especially that have badly decomposed, or have been distorted by any natural, or man-made disasters. Forensic science deals with skeletal examination with primary focus on identification although complete identification is hardly possible; however, anthropological identification can be done in skeletal examination. Skull is the second best for determination of sex after pelvis. Maxillary sinuses are paranasal sinuses, and possesses features of sexual dimorphism, they may remain intact even in partially charred, decomposed or fractured skulls.

To determine the reliability and accuracy of maxillary sinus dimension measurement as a method for gender through the use of reconstructed computed tomographic images.

A retrospective study was performed on previously acquired CT scans using GE 64 slice CT Scanner, within the Government Medical College and Hospital database. The study was designed to measure volume; MSVOL, medio-lateral (width)MSW, superio-inferior (height); MSH, and anterio-posterior (length); MSL, dimensions of the maxillary sinus. A total of 120 (60 females and 60 males) CT head and neck cases were studied and measured using radiANT DICOM viewer (64-bit) and inbuilt electronic caliper.

Descriptive analysis and discriminant analysis were used for assessment of data obtained. In all measurements Female group had statistically significant lower values for both right and left maxillary sinus (p < 0.05). Comparison of the parameters between right and left sides in males and females showed no significant difference. Calculated value “D” is greater than reference D, it is indicative of male gender, and if “D” value is less than the reference values, this is indicative of female gender.

Maxillary sinus is good tool for sex determination in Himachali population.