OBJECTIVE: To research the correlation between development of sphenoid sinus and age in normal children and adolescents by 3-D CT images. METHOD: Review of CT images of the skulls of 120 children and adolescents aged 0~20 years old. They were divided into five groups. Then reconstructed 3-D shape of the sphenoid sinus, and measureed the maximal anteroposterior diameter, longitudinal diameter, and transverse diameter of the bilateral sphenoid sinus by the 2-D and 3-D approach respectively, then process statistical analysis. RESULT: Pearson analyses revealed a positive correlation between various diameters of sphenoid sinus measured by 2-D and 3-D approach and age (P<0. 05). CONCLUSION The development of sphenoid sinus has a linear correlation with age, and increases with age and growth in Yunnan region. It helps to know the three-dimensional CT images of the sphenoid sinus in children and adolescents by Simplant software, thereby allow the clinicians to understand the current situation of the development of sphenoid sinus. Meanwhile, it contributes to preoperative evaluation of sinus problems.
Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Skull ; Software ; Sphenoid Sinus ; growth & development ; surgery ; Young Adult