Correlation between the size of the maxillary sinus and vertical growth patterns: a 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomographic study

Abstract Background The maxillary sinus has been considered as an important factor that affects the development of craniomaxillofacial bone. However, the correlation between the maxillary sinus and skeletal malocclusion is controversial. This study aimed to compare the dimensions of the maxillary sinus in patients with different vertical growth patterns and investigated the correlation between the maxillary sinus and craniofacial parameters.Methods This descriptive study included 90 patients from age 15 to 20 years old. According to the vertical growth patterns that were classified by MP-FH (angle between the mandibular plane and Frankfort horizontal plane), they were equally divided into three groups: high-, low- and normal-angle, and the gender ratio was 1:1. Cephalometric tracings were conducted from CBCT images, which were also used to measure the dimensions and volume of the maxillary sinus. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple comparison LSD.Results The variables of the maxillary sinus, including the volume, length, and width, among different groups, were significant(p<0.05). The variables of mandibular body length were significantly correlated with the volume of the maxillary sinus (p<0.01), and the coefficient was 0.425.Conclusions The maxillary sinus volume, length, and width were larger in low-angle patients. The mandibular body length had a significantly positive correlation with the maxillary sinus volume.