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Sex Estimation from Human Cranium: Forensic and Anthropological Interest of Maxillary Sinus Volumes
Thomas Radulesco1,2, Justin Michel1,2, Julien Mancini3,4
1Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, La Conception University Hospital, 13385 Cedex, Marseille, France.
Abstract:
Sex estimation is a key objective of forensic science. We aimed to establish whether maxillary sinus volumes (MSV) could assist in estimating an individual's sex. One hundred and three CT scans were included. MSV were determined using three-dimensional reconstructions. Two observers performed three-dimensional MSV reconstructions using the same methods. Intra- and interobserver reproducibility were statistically compared using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (α = 5%). Both intra- and interobserver reproducibility were perfect regarding MSV; both ICCs were 100%. There were no significant differences between right and left MSV (p = 0.083). No correlation was found between age and MSV (p > 0.05). We demonstrated the existence of sexual dimorphism in MSV (p < 0.001) and showed that MSV measurements gave a 68% rate of correct allocations to sex group. MSV measurements could be useful to support sex estimation in forensic medicine.
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