Age estimation using cephalometric analysis of hyoid bone: A radiological study

Abstract

Objectives: The study was done to estimate age using cephalometric analysis of hyoid bone. Age estimation is not only limited to forensic analysis but also to clinical dentistry. Orthodontia, one of the dental specialties, requires age estimation for the choice of treatment planning. Since cephalograms are commonly preferred for estimating age, this simple and novel method would have the added advantage of minimizing radiation exposure for the patient for the requirement of additional radiographs in the estimation of age as in hand wrist radiographs. Material and Methods: A total of 234 radiographs with lateral cephalometric projection were employed in the conducted study. The cephalograms were divided based on gender. Cephalometric tracing was done using hyoid bone triangle analysis established by Bibby and Preston in 1981. The triangle is created by the following: Gnathion (Gn), Retro-gnathion (R-Gn), Hyoidale (H), and C3 vertebrae were traced. The Frankfort horizontal plane served as a standardized reference in the study. Results: Out of all the dimensions comprising the hyoid bone triangle (C3-H, H-R-Gn, and C3-R-Gn), C3-H values were statistically significant for age estimation at P < 0.001 for both sexes. The study determined that the mean values C3-H and H-R-Gn are 35.66 mm ± 0.44 mm and 40.33 mm ± 0.54 mm, respectively. The hyoid bone is situated in a downward and posterior position. Conclusion: Since the certainty of the evidence was high for estimation of age, which is the need of the hour in forensics as well as in dentistry, and there is more demand for cost-effective alternatives, this method will help us reap the benefits.