Digital Radiographic Evaluation of Mandibular Ramus for Sex Determination: An Observational Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: One of the preferred methods of forensic analysis is sex identification where the skull and mandible are the most sexually dimorphic bones. Given that it holds its shape well over time, the mandible is a strong and resilient bone that is frequently employed in anthropological and forensic research. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to assess and compare different mandibular ramus measurements using digital panoramic radiograph. METHODS: 200 digitalized panoramic radiographs were chosen randomly after applying set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Condylar height, coronoid height, ramal breadth and height were measured using a software. Both male and female sex determination equations were built based on the data collected and the results were statistically analysed. RESULTS: The results showed that each variable was a significant predictor in the classification of a particular sample (P < 0.025). Furthermore, the discriminant functional analysis yielded prediction accuracy of 70.5%. Sectioning point for distinguishing between male and female was -0.524. CONCLUSION: The results provided compelling evidence that the ramus can be utilized to determine a person's sex in forensic investigation.