A Novel Method of Establishing the Identity of an Individual by Analyzing the Pattern & Volume of the Frontal Sinus Using Computerized Tomogram – A Retrospective Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The paranasal sinuses develop early in fetallife.Among the 4 major sinuses present in human skull, Frontal sinus helps in identification of an individual because of its uniqueness and so has the potential to be used as an aid for personal identification in disasters, accidents and natural calamities. Aim and Objective: To determine the volume & shape of frontal sinus in individuals using CT scan and to establish the uniqueness of frontal sinus in the identification of individuals in forensic science. Methodology: CT images showing the axial and coronal sections of frontal sinus of patients above the age of 20 years were considered as inclusion criteria and patients below the age of 20 years, previous injury, surgery or pathology in the frontal bone and frontal sinus were excluded. The length, breadth and height of right & left frontal sinus were measured and volume of the frontal sinus was calculated.The pattern of the frontal sinus was analysed in the axial & coronal sections of CT scan by taking screen shots of the slice. The pattern of the frontal sinus was drawn and copied to Microsoft Power Point Software for superimposing over other patterns. Results: Among the 270 scans collected, the total length, breadth, height and volume of left and right side of male and females were compared by using Independent samples t-test and it showed that the frontal sinus was unique in nature. Conclusion: The observations showed that no two individuals had the same sinus morphology based on division, volume, position and symmetry of frontal sinus