SEX DETERMINATION USING METRIC PARAMETERS OF THE MAXILLARY SINUS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY USING CT SCANS OF PATIENTS THAT VISITED RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL

Retrospective study using CT scans of patients that visited Radiology Department Rivers State university teaching hospital explores the potential of maxillary sinus measurements in sex determination. Examined 140 subjects, comprising 70 males and 70 females, measured the length, height, and width of the maxillary sinuses. Descriptive analysis, sex-wise comparison, and Discriminant function analysis (DFA) were conducted, providing insights into the relationship between sinus dimensions and sex determination. The descriptive analysis revealed that males showed higher mean values for all measured parameters on both sides, the mean right maxillary sinus length, height, and width were 3.780 cm, 3.525 cm, and 2.878 cm, respectively, while the left side measured 3.844 cm, 3.471 cm, and 2.842 cm. In females, the corresponding measurements were lower, with right maxillary sinus values of 3.708 cm (length), 3.321 cm (height), and 2.771 cm (width), and left maxillary sinus values of 3.680 cm (length), 3.297 cm (height), and 2.720 cm (width). The sex-wise comparison showed significant differences in the left maxillary sinus length, right maxillary sinus height, and left maxillary sinus height. DFA revealed that maxillary sinus height, and the left maxillary sinus length showed significant differences among sexes. Maxillary sinus measurements may serve as a useful tool in sexual dimorphism.