Background: This study aimed to evaluate the volumetric characteristics of the inferior
and middle nasal conchae and maxillary sinuses in individuals with different skeletal
malocclusion classes and cranio-maxillary relationships using cone beam computed tomography
(CBCT). Methods: A total of 150 adult patients were retrospectively analyzed. CBCT
scans were used to obtain volumetric measurements of the right and left inferior nasal
conchae (INC), middle nasal conchae (MNC), and maxillary sinuses (MS). Patients were
categorized into skeletal Classes I, II, or III based on ANB angles, and into retrognathic,
normal, or prognathic groups according to SNA angles. Gender- and age-related differences
were also analyzed. Statistical comparisons were performed using appropriate parametric
and non-parametric tests. Results: Class II individuals exhibited significantly lower
conchal volumes compared to Class I and III groups, while MS volumes were highest
in Class II, although statistical significance was reached only on the left side.
Gender differences were evident, with males presenting greater volumes than females
in both the right and left INC and MS; however, significant differences were observed
only for the left INC and left MS. A significant age-related decrease in left INC
volume was found between the 21-30 and 61+ age groups. No statistically significant
correlation was detected between conchal and sinus volumes. Conclusions: Skeletal
malocclusion patterns, gender, and age significantly influence concha and sinus volumes.
These findings emphasize the utility of CBCT-based three-dimensional assessments in
enhancing diagnostic accuracy and informing interdisciplinary treatment planning in
orthodontics and craniofacial care.
