Classification of human maxillar sinuses according to their geometric features.

Abstract

119 casts of maxillary sinuses have been taken out of 60 dry skulls. In these specimens, the volume V, the area of the basal (i.e. corresponding to the nasal cavity) surface S and the height h have been measured. The sinuses are subsequently arranged into 4 classes, according to their similarity to solids of revolution such as: semi-ellipsoid (class a: 15% of specimens); paraboloid (class b: 30%); hyperboloid (class c: 47%) and cone (class d: 8%). As criterion for this classification, the value of the coefficient K, equal to v/Sh has served. Beyond the eventual anatomical and anthropological interest of this classification, a clinical interest may exist in combination with Computed Tomography or eventually with Echography. The asymmetry that exists between maxillary sinuses (56% of our sample comprises pairs of sinuses arranged in different classes) suggests the eventual necessity of separate radiography of each individual sinus.