Technical note: Age estimation from mandible by lateral cephalogram: a preliminary study

Age estimation is an important aspect of forensic investigation and is considered as one of the "Big Four" of Forensic Anthropology. One hundred and twenty (120) cephalograms of individuals aged 7-20 years were examined with reference to mandibular body length (distance between Gonion and Gnathion) mandibular length (distance between Co and Gn) and mandibular height (distance between Co and Go). An attempt has been made to assess the utility and dependability of these three linear parameters for age estimation. The mandibular body length, ramus height and mandibular length were increased by 2.23, 3.26, 4.26 mm/years respectively. There are no significant differences in mandibular linear growth between the two sexes though the female mandible has a higher growth rate compared to males. These parameters might prove to be of importance in age determination for medico-legal purposes.