Evaluation of panoramic radiographic parameters for age and sex estimation in subadults

Abstract Background This study used panoramic radiographic morphometry to evaluate the age and sex in individuals 9–17 years old within the Turkish population. Given the limited research on adolescence and pre-adolescence, the study aims to enhance forensic anthropological methodologies by identifying key mandibular parameters that exhibit sexual dimorphism and age-related variations. Six hundred thirty-one panoramic radiographs (326 females, 305 males) were analyzed. Standardized imaging protocols were used to measure various mandibular parameters, including bigonial width (BW), condylar height (CH), ramus breadth (MaxRB, MinRB), coronoid height (CorH), projective ramus height (PRH), gonial angle (GA), antegonial angle (AnGA), antegonial height (AnGH), and mandibular cortical index (MCI). The Mann–Whitney U test and univariate linear regression analysis were used to assess sex-based differences and age estimation potential. Results Significant sex differences were observed in multiple mandibular parameters. Females exhibited higher CH, PRH, CorH, MCI, and MI values than males, whereas males had higher BW, MinRB, and AnGH values than females. Regression analysis indicated that CH and CorH demonstrated statistically significant correlations with age in both sexes; however, the explained variances (R²) were modest, suggesting that these variables have limited predictive power. Conclusions Although panoramic radiographs may offer valuable insights into age and sex estimation in subadults, such estimations are influenced by developmental variability. CH and CorH are associated with age, however, their reliability as standalone forensic indicators remains limited. The present findings offer preliminary support for the use of non-invasive radiographic techniques for age and sex estimation in forensic anthropology, particularly among subadult individuals. The lack of population-specific reference standards may limit the generalizability of these results. The complex interplay of developmental, hormonal, and environmental factors on mandibular growth during adolescence warrants further investigation through prospective, multicenter studies.