Gonial angle – Key to gender prediction: A CBCT study in Bathinda, Punjab

Introduction: Forensic anthropology frequently relies on skeletal remains to estimate biological attributes such as sex, age, and ancestry. Among various anatomical landmarks, the gonial angle—formed by the intersection of the mandibular ramus and body—has emerged as a promising parameter for gender estimation, especially when conventional skeletal features (pelvis and cranium) are unavailable. Methods: This retrospective and prospective CBCT-based study was conducted across Oral Radiology centers in Bathinda, Punjab. Scans were analyzed using Vatech CBCT systems with Ez-Dent software to measure the gonial angle in male and female subjects. The study also evaluated associated parameters such as bone density and masticatory musculature differences between sexes. Results: Preliminary findings revealed that males exhibited significantly smaller gonial angles compared to females, correlating with stronger musculature and denser bone structure. In contrast, females showed larger gonial angles, possibly attributed to decreased bone density from hormonal and osteoporotic influences. Conclusions: The gonial angle serves as a reliable morphological indicator for sex determination, particularly in fragmented skeletal remains. CBCT provides accurate three-dimensional visualization and measurement, enhancing the forensic applicability of mandibular metrics in gender identification.