A Digital Retrospective Study: Evaluating the Reliability of Mandibular Parameters as Sex Predictors in the Maharashtra Population

Sex identification is a crucial factor in both forensic investigations and medico-legal cases, with age determination following closely. When soft tissues are missing, skeletal features are analysed. If the skull is incomplete, the mandible helps determine sex. Numerous studies have demonstrated the accuracy of panoramic radiographs in assessing anatomical measurements for sex determination. This current study investigates the use of digital orthopantomographs to analyse mandibular parameters for sex prediction specifically within the Maharashtra population. The objective is to assess the importance of the mandible in sex determination which will be achieved by analysing different morphometric parameters observed on panoramic radiographs, with the aim of identifying the most reliable predictor for sex determination. In this retrospective study, a total of 200 digital orthopantomographs (100 male and 100 female) were analysed. The collected data were then analysed using the SPSS version 20.0 statistical package. With the exception of the gonial angle, all measurements demonstrated higher values in males compared to females. Out of the eight parameters assessed, four parameters, namely condylar height, coronoid height, projective height of the ramus, and gonial angle exhibited significant differences. The overall accuracy of sex prediction based on these parameters was determined to be 72.5%. Within the sample of this study, a notable level of sexual dimorphism was observed in the gonial angle and mandibular ramus. As a result, the mandible can be considered a valuable tool for determining the sex of an individual. The utilization of digital orthopantomographs proved to be a reliable method for conducting morphometric analysis.