Frontal sinus imaging is an important research object in forensic individual identification due to the highly specific irregular air cavity shape of frontal sinus, the stability of its shape after maturity, and the wide clinical application of radiology technology. The use of frontal sinus imaging for individual identification has significance in the court. When the application of traditional individual identification methods such as fingerprint identification and DNA analysis are limited or cannot be effectively carried out, or when the corresponding dental records are lacking and in other special cases, individual identification with frontal sinus imaging comparison is an effective alternative. Various types of image data can be used for individual identification with frontal sinus, mainly based on artificial visual comparing. With limitations such as, high professional requirements, low efficiency and small application range, the methods cannot be used in mass disasters. In recent years, some computer image recognition techniques have been used in identification of frontal sinus imagings and can significantly improve the efficiency of recognition. Difficulties such as low manual recognition efficiency may be overcomed. This study summarizes the reports on forensic individual identification using frontal sinus imaging, to review the research progress on individual identification with frontal sinus imaging, to provide a reference for further research on frontal sinus imaging, and to provide ideas for exploration and establishment of a faster, more efficient and more accurate individual identification system.
Diagnostic Imaging ; Forensic Anthropology ; Forensic Medicine ; Frontal Sinus/diagnostic imaging* ; Torso

OBJECTIVE: To observe the CT three-dimensional imaging features of the frontal recess region with advanced three-dimensional reconstruction, and develop the real image of the important anatomical structures around the region to conduct surgery. METHOD: Thirty patients were undergone spiral CT by 16 line high speed spiral CT, and multiplanar reconstruction images using standard three-dimensional reconstruction protocol on a computer workstation. The structure of the frontal recess, the agger nasi cell and adhere style of the uncinate process were observed. The parameter of the important anatomic structure of frontal recess was measured precisely. RESULT: After the reconstruction, we get the three-dimensional model very close to the true state of the nasal cavity-sinuses cell, in which parts of the frontal recess can clearly identify the agger nasi cell, frontal cell and other important structures. In these patients, the height, width and depth of the agger nasi and frontal sinus were (9.45 ± 3.60)mm, (8.08 ± 3.37)mm, (26.98 ± 6.82)mm and (26.86 ± 9.45)mm, respectively. CONCLUSION This study tried to develop the standardized techniques and measurements from three-dimensional reconstructed images of the frontal sinus and to ascertain the usefulness of the frontal sinus in identification of patients. The project results in better preoperative patient counselling and in predicting postoperative improvement in clinical status.
Ethmoid Sinus ; diagnostic imaging ; Frontal Sinus ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Nasal Cavity ; Paranasal Sinuses ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to observe the three-dimensional (3D) CT imaging features of the frontal recess region with 3D reconstruction, and obtain the real image of the important anatomical structures of the region to conduct surgery. METHOD: Five patients were undergone spiral CT by 16 line high speed spiral CT, and multiplanar reconstruction images using standard 3D reconstruction protocol on a computer workstation. The structure of the frontal recess, the agger nasi cell and adhere style of the uncinate process were observed. The parameter of the important anatomic structure of frontal recess was measured precisely. RESULT: After the reconstruction, we get the 3D model very close to the true state of the nasal cavity--sinuses cell, in which parts of the frontal recess can clearly identify the agger nasi cell, frontal cell and other important structures. In this patient, the height, width and depth of the agger nasi and frontal sinus were 12.3 mm, 12.1 mm, 38.5 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION This study tried to develop the standardized techniques and measurements from 3D reconstructed images of the frontal sinus and to ascertain the usefulness of the frontal sinus in identification of patients. The results in better preoperative patient counselling and in predicting postoperative improvement in clinical status.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Frontal Sinus ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To observe the CT imaging features of anatomic structure related to endoscopic axilla approach for surgery of the frontal recess and frontal sinus. METHOD: Thirty patients without a history of frontal sinus disease were undergone 16 line high speed spiral computed tomography. The computed tomographic images were analyzed to measure the related structures. RESULT: The vertical distance from the front attachment point of the middle turbinate to the skull base was 13.88 +/- 2.59 mm. The horizontal distance from the top point of the axilla of the middle turbinate to the anterior wall of the frontal sinus outflow tract was 5.77 +/- 12.32 mm, to the anterior wall of the nasal cavity was 13.67 +/- 12.54 mm, to the lamina papyracea or lacrimal sac was 5.89 +/- 1.69 mm. CONCLUSION Sixteen line high speed spiral computed tomography is helpful to endoscopic axilla approach for surgery of the frontal recess and frontal sinus.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Endoscopy ; methods ; Female ; Frontal Sinus ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Turbinates ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDIntersinus septal cell (ISSC) is not a very uncommon frontal recess cell. But it is poorly described in literature. The clinical significance of this anatomic variant still remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the anatomy, classification of ISSC and its clinical significance in Chinese subjects.

METHODSWe prospectively identified ISSC in 200 consecutive subjects who had undergone computed tomography (CT) scans: 120 without frontal sinusitis (group 1) and 80 with frontal sinusitis (group 2). The ISSC was classified into two types: Type I ISSC communicated with frontal sinuses, type II ISSC communicated with frontal recess. The patients of frontal sinusitis had undergone functional endoscopic sinus surgery with the assistance of the classification of ISSC. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate the ISSC and its type to the presence of frontal sinusitis.

RESULTSThe ISSC was obvious when reviewing the coronal and axial CT scans. Of the 200 CT scans reviewed, ISSC were present in 90 (45%). Of the 120 scans in group 1, ISSC were present in 49 (41%), among which type I ISSC was in 22 (18%) and type II was in 27 (23%). Of the 80 scans in group 2, ISSC was present in 41 (51%), among which type I ISSC was in 16 (20%) and type II was in 25 (31%). There were no statistically significant differences about the frequency distribution of total ISSC, type I and II ISSC between group 1 and group 2.

CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence of ISSC was very high in Chinese patients. The classification of ISSC was helpful for surgeon to operate according to whether it communicated with frontal sinus or frontal recess. The type II ISSC could be relatively easily removed from frontal recess.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Endoscopy ; methods ; Female ; Frontal Sinus ; anatomy & histology ; pathology ; Frontal Sinusitis ; classification ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Radiography ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the feasibility of endoscopic frontal sinus surgery in the nasal septum median path. METHOD: (1) Sixty adult cadaveric heads fixed with formalin were CT scanned,and were three dimensional reconstruction. (2) Thirty adult cadaveric heads were sawn along the sagittal line close to the side of the nasal septum, then the important anatomic marks were observed and measured. (3) Combined with CT and anatomical data, thirty adult cadaveric heads were operated in different degree, and the damage of nasal septum and fila olfactoria were detected in the same time. RESULT: (1) The roots of middle nasal concha were simulated in the endoscopic frontal sinus surgery. The operation time, operative procedures, markers foundation, endoscopic back of posterior border of frontal sinus foundation and attached to the symphysis with cribriform plate and the top of ethmoidal sinus were recorded. (2) The intersection point formed by the level of middle nasal concha and the vertical of middle nasal concha corresponded with the nasal septum was called the M point. The distance from the M point to the horizon of the nasal bone was (20.07 +/- 6.21) mm, the distance from the M point to the first fila olfactoria was (24.38 +/- 7.68) mm, the distance from the first fila olfactoria to the posterior edge of frontal sinus was (9.57 +/- 2.73) mm, the distance from the root of the middle nasal concha to posterior edge of frontal sinus was (5.38 +/- 1.23) mm, the anteroposterior diameter of frontal sinus fundus was (7.62 +/- 2.45) mm, the transverse diameter of frontal sinus fundus was (9.41 +/- 3.37) mm, the seesaw diameter of frontal sinus partition was (16.97 +/- 3.23) mm, the anteroposterior diameter of frontal sinus partition was (12.34 +/- 2.23) mm. (3) The operation time through the nasal septum path was 105 minutes which combined with CT and anatomical measurements. 0 degrees endoscopy could be used to observe the frontal part of the lateral, posterior and top wall, while nasal septum remove should be finished with 30 degree endoscopy. The bottom of frontal sinus can be exposed and removed with 0 degree endoscopy. 3 cases of cadaveric frontal sinus lateral wall can not be observed with 70 degree endoscopy. 30 cases of cadaveric frontal sinus,some of the top and the lateral wall, anterior and posterior wall could be observed with 70 degree endoscopy, nasal septum damage range was about 2.23 cm x 2.59 cm, and no fila olfactoria damage was found. CONCLUSION Endoscopic frontal sinus surgery in the nasal septum median path is a good way to find frontal sinus.
Endoscopy ; methods ; Feasibility Studies ; Frontal Sinus ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Humans ; Nasal Bone ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Nasal Septum ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVE: To explore observing parameters of frontal sinus using reconstructive coronal nose bone sections of the head CT images and to establish the special identification codes. METHODS: CT images of the frontal sinus were analyzed by using distance measurement and morphological description. The discrimination codes of frontal sinus identification were: the number of right partial septa, shape-the location of the central septa, shape-the number of left partial septa, shape; the number of arches of right upper scalloping (the location of the right highest scalloping, the location of the right lowest scalloping)-the number of arches of left upper scalloping (the location of the left highest scalloping, the location of the left lowest scalloping); the width, height of the right sinus-the total width of sinus-the width, height of the left sinus. RESULTS: The identification codes of the frontal sinus were highly variable individually, but the codes were not statistically differences between males and females (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION The identification codes of frontal sinus could be used for forensic individual identification, but not for sex determination.
Adult ; Asian People ; Cephalometry/methods* ; China ; Discriminant Analysis ; Female ; Forensic Anthropology/methods* ; Frontal Sinus/diagnostic imaging* ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To make 3-D reconstruction of frontal recess by high speed spiral CT, which can be helpful to nasal endoscopic frontal sinus operation. METHOD: Fifty-one cases (102 laterals) of frontal recess 3-D reconstruction by 16 line high speed spiral CT were enrolled in the research, which included 58 laterals with chronic frontal sinusitis and 44 laterals of normal nasal sinus. The structure of frontal recess, the agger nasi and the adhere style of uncinate process were recognized. The parameter of frontal recess was measured. Finally the data of two groups were compared and analyzed. RESULT: CT 3-D reconstruction of frontal recess could display the frontal sinus, frontal endosome and frontal recess. The shape of frontal recess varied greatly in different cases, which depended on the near structure especially agger nasi and uncinate process. The difference of average Y axes inner diameter between agger nasi and frontal endosome was significant. The difference of average Y axes inner diameter between frontal endosome and anterior nasal spine, between the line of frontal endosome to anterior nasal spine and the line of Aeby's plane and between bhullar cell and anterior nasal spine were not significant in two groups. CONCLUSION The drainage flow of frontal recess depends on the near structures especially on the agger nasi and uncinate process. The prevalence of agger nasi is high, and the position of it is constancy, as far agger nasi can be an anatomic landmark of frontal sinus operation. The position of frontal endosome is constancy. The scalloped area from anterior nasal spine 50-60 degrees to the line of Aeby's plane and within 100 mm radius is safety section to nasal endoscopic frontal sinus operation. CT 3-D reconstruction of this area is helpful to avoid insult.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Frontal Bone ; diagnostic imaging ; Frontal Sinus ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Paranasal Sinuses ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To explore morphological classification of the Caldwell view of frontal sinuses in computer radiography (CR) for forensic identification and to construct a forensic identification system with digital X-ray films with assistance of identification indexes coding. METHODS: Four hundred CR films of the Caldwell view of frontal sinus were selected from Sichuan Han ethnic Chinese. The frontal sinuses were classified according to the relationship between the tangential line above the upper edge of the bilateral orbits and the location of the frontal sinus. Then to code the identification indexes for the frontal sinus. RESULTS: The Caldwell view of frontal sinuses were classified into 6 categories. Eight identification indexes for the frontal sinus were identified, including degree of asymmetry, superiority of side, ratio of the left frontal sinus area and orbit area (A(LFS)/A(LOR)), ratio of the right frontal sinus area and orbit area ((RFS)/A(ROR)), outline of the left upper border, outline of the right upper border, occurrence of partial septa and location of frontal median margin. CONCLUSION Initial identification by the Caldwell view classification of frontal sinuses followed with coding the frontal sinuses with 8 indexes is likely a novel approach for forensic identification of the frontal sinuses in CR.
Adult ; Asian People ; China ; Female ; Forensic Anthropology/methods* ; Frontal Sinus/diagnostic imaging* ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Orbit/diagnostic imaging* ; Reference Values ; Sex Characteristics ; Sex Factors ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods* ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to observe the CT imaging features of the frontal recess regional. METHOD: Eighty-two patients were undergone spiral computed tomography (CT). Then multiplanar reconstruction images were made using standard triplanar reconstruction protocol on a computer workstation. RESULT: The prevalence of agger nasi cell was 87.8% (144/164). One hundred and forty-five (89%, 145/164) uncinate processes had one superior attachment for each uncinate process. The others had two superior attachments for each uncinate process. The uncinate process' single superior attachment of into the surrounding structures was identified to have the following distribution: 90/164 (54.9%): to the lamina papyracea, 50/164 (30.5%) to the middle turbinate, and 5/164 (3.0%) to the skull base. Of all the frontal cells were identified in 144 (87.8%) sides of frontal recesses, the prevalence of type I II, type III IV, were 30.5% and 9.8% respectively. CONCLUSION T Agger nasi cell and uncinate process play an important role in endoscopic frontal sinus surgery.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Female ; Frontal Lobe ; diagnostic imaging ; Frontal Sinus ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasal Cavity ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Turbinates ; diagnostic imaging ; Young Adult