Frontal and Maxillary Air Sinus in Age Determination and Gender Identification
Author(s): Anu Netharaa*, Pratibha Ramani, Herald J Sherlin, Gheena S, Abilasha Ramasubramanian, Gifrina Jayaraj, KR Don and Archana Santhanam
Abstract
Background: Age estimation and gender determination in victim identification are some of the most common and important applications of forensic sciences. Radiology can give assistance in this field. The various paranasal air sinuses play a significant role in this aspect as they tend to remain intact even after mass disasters like explosions and are extremely reliable.
Aim: The aim of this study is to measure the right and left maxillary and frontal air sinus dimensions and their application in age determination and gender identification.
Materials and Methods: Twenty Posteroanterior (PA) skull radiographs were used for the study. The width, length and distance across the right and left sinuses were measured using the Planmeca Romexis Viewer software. The data obtained were then subjected to descriptive and discriminative analysis.
Results: The average area of the frontal sinus was greater in males (2012.59 ± 1032.87) than in females (1536 ± 932.76). The left frontal area (2258.03 ± 1368.23) was greater than the right (2012.59 ± 1032.87) in both males and females. The average distance across the maxillary sinus was more in females (147.41) than in males (148.14).
Conclusion: Gender determination and age estimation form the most important steps in victim identification especially in cases of disaster. Both, the maxillary and frontal air sinus dimensions can be very useful in forensic sciences.