Gender differences in the maxillary sinus volume : a study using computed tomography scans of a sample of Tamil Nadu population

Background and aims : Measurements of the maxillary sinus volumes in computed tomography (CT) scans can be used for determination of gender when other methods are inconclusive. Maxillary sinus dimension measurements are valuable in studying sexual dimorphism and can assist in gender determination. The radiographic images can provide adequate measurements for maxillary sinuses that cannot be approached by other means. The purpose of the present study was to determine and compare the volume of the maxillary sinus between males and females of Tamil Nadu region using CT scans. Materials and methods : This study was carried out by using CT images of head region of 100 males and 100 females who underwent CT scanning for indications other than the pathology of the maxillary sinuses. The CT images obtained were of patients between 20 to 50 years of age. The maxillary sinus volume of each side were calculated by using the following formula: Maximal width X Maximal height X Maximal depth X 0.5. Comparison of data between genders and sides was done. The statistical inference was derived by applying unpaired student “t” test and the p value was obtained (p value