Frontal Sinus Morphology in the Malaysian Population:

Patterns of Pneumatization and Gender Differences (Pilot Study)

Authors

  • Sohayla M. Attalla International Medical School (IMS), Management and Science University (MSU)
  • Hassan Ads International Medical School (IMS), Management and Science University (MSU)
  • KhairuNisa KhairulZaman Diagnostics & Imaging Department, Hospital Shah Alam
  • Pushpagandy A/P Ramanathan Diagnostics & Imaging Department, Hospital Shah Alam
  • Haitham Abdalrazak International Medical School (IMS), Management and Science University (MSU)
  • Nihal Hanafy International Medical School (IMS), Management and Science University (MSU)
  • Hesham Kassim International Medical School (IMS), Management and Science University (MSU)
  • Jalal Ibrahim International Medical School (IMS), Management and Science University (MSU)
  • Kavitha Kumar International Medical School (IMS), Management and Science University (MSU)

Keywords:

Forensic science, Frontal sinuses, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), human identification

Abstract

Introduction: The study of various bones has been utilized across different populations for purposes such as gender, racial, and individual identification. This research focuses on examining the pneumatization and dimensions of the frontal sinus (FS) within the Malaysian population. Material and Methods:  The study analyzed 60 multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scans of bilateral frontal sinuses from Malaysian subjects aged over 25 years, all without any pathological conditions or prior surgeries involving the FS. Findings revealed that 26.66% of the sample exhibited variations in FS development. For individuals with pneumatization on both sides, the average frontal depth (FD) measured 10.54 ± 3.39 mm. In cases where the right frontal sinus was not pneumatized, the FD averaged 8.32 ± 2.23 mm, and the left width (LW) was 30.78 ± 6.50 mm. Among those with bilateral pneumatization, significant gender differences were observed in FD (P = 0.042), right width (RW) (P = 0.033), and LW (P = 0.033). However, no significant racial differences were found in FD (P = 0.819), RW (P = 0.718), or LW (P = 0.270). The study concludes that about one-quarter of Malaysians show variations in frontal sinus development, more frequently on the right side. Despite notable gender-related differences in FS measurements, racial variations were not significant. The authors recommend further research with a larger and ethnically balanced sample to validate these findings.

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Published

30-06-2025

How to Cite

Attalla, S., Ads, H., KhairulZaman, K., Pushpagandy A/P Ramanathan, Abdalrazak, H., Hanafy, N., Kassim, H., Ibrahim, J., & Kumar, K. (2025). Frontal Sinus Morphology in the Malaysian Population: : Patterns of Pneumatization and Gender Differences (Pilot Study). Journal of Ethnic and Diversity Studies (JOEDS), 3(1). Retrieved from https://joeds.com.my/index.php/home/article/view/72

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Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): Journal of Ethnic and Diversity Studies (JOEDS): Volume 3, Issue 1

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 SOHAYLA ATTALLA, Hassan Ads, KhairuNisa KhairulZaman, Pushpagandy A/P Ramanathan, Haitham Abdalrazak, Nihal Hanafy, Hesham Kassim, Jalal Ibrahim, Kavitha Kumar

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