Mandibular sexual dimorphism analysis in CBCT scans

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Radiology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Sexual dimorphism in the mandible is a key factor in forensic identification.
• Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers detailed 3D imaging for anthropometric analysis.
• Accurate sex estimation from skeletal remains is crucial in forensic investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate sexual dimorphism using mandibular anthropometric measurements from CBCT scans.
• To develop a reliable formula for sex estimation in a Brazilian population.
• To assess the accuracy of the developed formula in forensic contexts.

Main Methods:

• 160 CBCT scans (74 males, 86 females) aged 18-60 years from a Brazilian population were analyzed.
• Six mandibular measurements were collected: ramus length, gonion-gnathion length, minimum ramus breadth, gonial angle, bicondylar breadth, and bigonial breadth.
• Statistical analysis included intraclass correlation, ANOVA, binary logistic regression, and discriminant function analysis.

Main Results:

• A formula using four specific mandibular measurements achieved 95.1% correct sex classification.
• Discriminant function analysis validated the formula, yielding accuracies of 93.33% for males and 94.74% for females.
• High intra- and inter-reviewer reliability was confirmed through intraclass correlation.

Conclusions:

• The developed formula based on CBCT mandibular measurements is highly accurate for sex estimation.
• This method shows significant potential for application in forensic anthropology and identification.
• Mandibular anthropometry via CBCT provides a valuable tool for determining sex in unidentified individuals.