Mandibular torus as a potential piece in the human remains identification puzzle

Abstract Background The human identification of burned or heavily decomposed remains is a great challenge in forensic anthropology, particularly for professionals who work with limited resources in a violent environment. In this scenario the epidemiological data of non-metric traits, such as the mandibular torus, can help in the identification process. The mandibular torus is defined as a slow-growing, well-defined convex bony excrescence on the mandible, reported as having a multifactorial genetic and environmental aetiology. This investigation aims to identify and analyse the prevalence of mandibular torus in the skull collection at the sector of Forensic. Anthropology at the Medico-legal Institute Nina Rodrigues, Salvador, Brazil. Results Our findings were compared with the literature in order to evaluate the prevalence in our sample. Of the 83 skulls evaluated, 35 presented mandibular torus, (42.17%). Regarding the expression, out of the 35 skulls presenting mandibular torus, 11 mandibles (31.43%) presented with low expression, while sixteen showed moderate expression of mandibular torus expression (45.71%) and eight mandibles (22.86%) with a pronounced expression. Of the 35, only 9 mandibles had unilateral expression, resulting in a frequent occurrence of bilateral torus expression (74.29%). Conclusions This study contributes to the current data on the frequency of mandibular torus in a Brazilian forensic sample. Although previous studies have demonstrated the use of non-metric cranial and postcranial features to support the process of human identification in forensic anthropology, recent and representative epidemiological data are crucial.