Volumetric assessment of sphenoid sinus by 3D-CT scan in the age group of 10-22 years: A Cross-sectional study

Background: Majority of medico-legal cases brought to the forensic specialist for assessment of age for both the victims and accused. Among newer technologies used for that Computed tomography (C.T. Scan) technology has become increasingly more accurate and precise. Objectives: To find out ability of Computed tomography (C.T. Scan) for assessment of age in age group of 10-22 years Material and Method: This study was carried out on 64 healthy subjects Sphenoid sinus was analyzed in coronal and axial position followed by 3-dimensional reconstruction in CT scan. Volume of Sphenoid sinus was assessed and significance of difference of volume of Sphenoid sinus as per age, sex and diet was assessed with Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA) and Post-hoc tests. Result: Although age wise volumetric measurement of sphenoid sinus through CT scan was found significant in only some age groups when estimated at one year interval from 10-22 years but when estimated at interval of two years interval it was found significant for most of ages. Volumetric measurement of sphenoid sinus through CT scan at the interval of 4 years was found significant in every age group. Significance of difference in volumetric measurement of sphenoid sinus as per sex, residence was found significant along with age but as per type of diet it was not found significant when assessed by age interval of 2 years. Conclusions: Age wise volumetric measurement of sphenoid sinus through CT scan can be found correct for most of ages from 10-22 years at interval of 2 year of age. Age can be estimated 100% volumetric measurement of sphenoid sinus through CT scan at the interval of 4 years from 10-22 years.