Evaluation of Frontal Sinus as an Aid in Personal Identification - A Digital Radiographic Study

A.  Akanksha; Maria Priscilla David

doi:10.18311/jfds/13/1/2021.622

Authors

A. Akanksha Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka
Maria Priscilla David 2Professor and Head, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, MR Ambedkar Dental College and Hospitals, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore – 560005, Karnataka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18311/jfds/13/1/2021.622

Keywords:

Forensic, Frontal Sinus, Orbit, Personal Identification, Uniqueness

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The cranio-facial structures have the advantage of being composed largely of hard tissue which is relatively indestructible. The frontal sinus is as unique to each individual as a fingerprint, even to monozygotic twins. The present study was conducted to evaluate frontal sinus as an aid in personal identification. Methods: The study was conducted among 200 subjects (100 males and 100 females). Posteroanterior radiographs were taken using KODAK 8000 C Digital Panoramic and Cephalometric system and digital measurements made using Trophy Dicom and Masterview 3.0 Software. Frontal sinuses were classified and analyzed. Total height and total width of frontal sinus was measured according to Tatlisumak and Uthman A T. Inter orbital width was measured according to Ribeiro. Total orbital width was measured as an additional parameter. Results: Of the total 200 (100%) subjects we observed uniqueness of frontal sinuses in all the 167 subjects with presence of frontal sinus with central septa presence with none being identical and found 16 subjects with central septa absence, where the mean total height and total width of frontal sinus was measured and 17 subjects with bilateral absence of frontal sinus, where mean inter-orbital width was measured. Total orbital width was considered for the combined 33 subjects. Conclusion: We conclude that frontal sinuses can be used as a potent aid in personal identification. The combined use of frontal sinus and orbital measurements can be a valuable, cost-effective adjunct to positive human identification.

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