Morphometric analysis of different frontal sinus and nasal septum patterns using cone beam computed tomography – A retrospective study

Background: Forensic science speaks for the unidentified individuals. Human identification can be done through reconstruction group and comparison methods. In the present study, two anatomical structures, namely, frontal sinus and nasal septum, were studied. As the combined use of frontal sinus and nasal septum patterns probably aids in a more precise identification, both these patterns were assessed using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Aims and Objectives: The present study aims to identify different frontal sinus and nasal septum patterns using CBCT and correlate with age and gender. Materials and Methods: The scans of the patients who were referred for CBCT for routine dental diagnostic imaging were included. The sample consisted of 150 scans of both genders of age 20–40 years. The frontal sinus and nasal septum were assessed in both coronal and axial sections for aplasia (unilateral/bilateral), dominance (right and left), and symmetry calculation and subjected to statistical analysis (paired t test). Results: A significantly higher proportion ( P = 0.016) of individuals in 31–40 years age group had unilateral or bilateral aplasia when compared to 20–30 years age group. A similar pattern of distribution was observed with respect to age groups and gender but with no statistical significance. A total of 31 different patterns of FS and NS were identified. Conclusion: FS aplasia could be used as a potential tool in personal identification; however, to validate the use of FS and NS in forensics, the study recommends use of larger sample size and equal distribution of male and female samples for personal identification.