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. 2019 Apr-Jun;10(2):294-298.
doi: 10.4103/ccd.ccd_548_18.

Morphological Analysis of the Human Maxillary Sinus Using Three-Dimensional Printing

Nadia Araneda  1 , Marcelo Parra  1   2 , Wilfredo A González-Arriagada  3 , Mariano Del Sol  2 , Ziyad S Haidar  4   5 , Sergio Olate  1   2
Affiliations

Morphological Analysis of the Human Maxillary Sinus Using Three-Dimensional Printing

Nadia Araneda et al. Contemp Clin Dent. 2019 Apr-Jun.

Abstract

Background: The maxillary sinus (MS) is described as a pyramid-shaped cavity of the maxilla.

Aim: The aim of this research is to present a strategy for morphological analysis of the MS using three-dimensional (3D) printing acquired through cone-beam computed tomography images.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional exploratory, single-blind study was conducted, including 24 subjects. MSs were reconstructed, and 3D virtual modeling was done bilaterally, obtaining 48 physical models generated on a 3D printer. The statistical analysis used tests of normality and tests using a value of P < 0.05 to establish statistical significance.

Results: The mean of the MS volume was 15.38 cm3 (±6.83 cm3). The minimum volume was 5.4 cm3 and the maximum was 30.8 cm3. In a bilateral comparison of the right and left volume of the same individual, there were no significant differences (P = 0.353). In relation to the morphology of the MSs, the most prevalent was pyramidal with a square base with a prevalence of 66.7%. Related to gender, significant differences were observed only for the left volume (P = 0.009), with the mean volume being significantly greater in the men (19.69 cm3) than in the women (12.28 cm3).

Conclusion: 3D printing of the MS permitted the more precise observation of anatomical features that cannot be seen on a 2D screen. A classification is presented that allows an analysis of sinus morphology, although it is necessary to conduct studies with larger samples to obtain more conclusive results.

Keywords: Maxillary sinus; sinus morphology; three-dimensional printing.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Frontal view of the right and left maxillary sinuses with a quadrangular base. R-MS: Right maxillary sinus, L-MS: Left maxillary sinus, U: Upper area, L: Lower area, La: Lateral area, Me: Medial area
Figure 2
Figure 2
Frontal view of the right and left maxillary sinuses with a pyramidal base. R-MS: Right maxillary sinus, L-MS: Left maxillary sinus, U: Upper area, L: Lower area, La: Lateral area, Me: Medial area
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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