ABSTRACT
Objective: This study aimed to determine the cephalometric association of mandibular size/length
to the surface area and dimensions of the frontal and maxillary sinuses. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 116 digital lateral cephalograms of 38 patients
with skeletal Class I malocclusion (normal), 40 patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion
with mandibular deficiency, and 38 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion with
mandibular excess. Both male and female patients were included. Using AutoCAD 2016
software, the anteroposterior dimension, height and surface area of the frontal and
maxillary sinuses, mandibular body length and cephalometric indices including anterior
and posterior cranial bases, and growth pattern indices were measured on lateral cephalograms.
Results: Dimensions and surface area of the frontal and maxillary sinuses in skeletal Class
III malocclusion were greater than those in other groups. These variables were significantly
correlated with the mandibular body length. The coefficient for the correlation of
height, width, and surface area of the frontal sinus with mandibular body length was
0.253, 0.284, and 0.490, respectively. The coefficient for the correlation of height,
length, and surface area of the maxillary sinus with mandibular body length was 0.346,
0.657, and 0.661, respectively. These variables (except for the frontal sinus width)
had a significant correlation with the anterior and posterior cranial bases. The frontal
sinus width had a significant correlation with the anterior cranial base. These variables
in males were greater than those in females. Conclusion: The dimensions and surface area of the frontal and maxillary sinuses in skeletal
Class III malocclusion were greater than those in other groups. These variables (except
for the frontal sinus width) had a significant correlation with the anterior and posterior
cranial bases and mandibular body length.
Key words:
Frontal sinus - maxillary sinuses - skeletal malocclusion
