Impact of nasal septum deviation severity on maxillary sinus pneumatization: a cone-beam CT study

Aims: The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between the severity and direction of nasal septum deviation (NSD) and maxillary sinus pneumatization using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Secondary aims were to examine possible associations between maxillary sinus volume (MSV) and demographic or anatomical factors such as age, sex, and posterior tooth loss. Methods: CBCT scans of 174 adults (94 females, 80 males; mean age: 42.8±17.4 years) were retrospectively evaluated. The NSD angle was determined on coronal sections with the software’s angle measurement tool, whereas MSV were obtained through volume tool. Posterior tooth loss was recorded for each side, excluding third molars. Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests and correlation analyses to assess relationships among NSD parameters, sinus volumes, and demographic variables. Results: Significantly larger mean sinus volumes and greater NSD angles were observed in males compared with females (p