A study of morphological changes in the mandible associated with sexual dimorphism: a digital panoramic study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In forensic anthropology, osteological remains are widely used to assess various characteristics of a person, which helps in establishing the identity of the deceased or serves as additional evidence in controversial cases. AIMS: The study aimed to measure, compare and distinguish the gender-related changes in the mandible among dentate of different age groups on digital panoramic radiographic images and to evaluate their reliability in sex determination that might serve as evidence in forensics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Digital panoramic images were obtained for 420 patients, which included 210 males and 210 females. Various parameters such as gonial angle, condylar length, ramus length, cortical bone thickness and ramal notch width were measured and evaluated. The data obtained was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and two-way ANOVA test. RESULTS: Comparison between gender groups showed statistically significant differences in all parameters with p 0.05 except the ramal notch width. The mean value of all parameters, was found to be comparatively higher in males. Among the groups, gonial angle and ramus length were found to be higher on right side, but in ramal notch width it was higher on left. The condylar length among males showed greater value on right side, and females showed greater value on left side. The cortical bone thickness among males depicted greater value on left side, and females depicted greater value on right side. Thus, all parameters except the ramal notch width were found to be reliable in sex determination. CONCLUSION: It was found that males had greater value when compared to females. Hence, this study recommends the use of these parameters for the purpose of sex determination.