Assessing the Impact of Hard Palate Inclination, Concha Bullosa, and Nasal Septum Deviation on Maxillary Sinus Volume Using CBCT Imaging

Objective: This study examines how maxillary sinus volume is influenced by factors such as nasal septum deviation, hard palate shift, and the presence of concha bullosa, considering the sinus’s close anatomical relationship with neighboring facial structures. Methodology: A total of 178 CBCT images were reviewed, with 28 cases excluded based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Using On-Demand software, the study assessed the presence of nasal septum deviation, concha bullosa, and hard palate shift in the coronal plane, and maxillary sinus volume was calculated across the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes. Statistical relationships between variables were analyzed using Chi-square tests Results: Out of 150 CBCT scans analyzed, 25.4% of participants showed hard palate shift, 50.7% had concha bullosa, and 78% exhibited nasal septum deviation. The participants ranged from 26 to 40 years old, with no significant correlation found between age and the studied variables. A significant relationship was identified between the combined presence of concha bullosa and hard palate shift and maxillary sinus volume (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant association was observed between nasal septum deviation and concha bullosa (p < 0.05). However, no other independent variables were significantly correlated with sinus volume (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that nasal septum deviation does not independently affect maxillary sinus volume in this population. While neither hard palate shift nor concha bullosa alone impacts sinus volume, their combined occurrence appears to influence it.