The Importance of Mandibular Size in Sex Identification

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 23 views

Differences in the Size of the Mandible through the Radiography of Cone Beam Computed Tomography for Sex Identification in Forensic Odontology: A Systematic Review

Introduction

In the field of forensic odontology, identifying the sex of an individual is a crucial aspect of forensic analysis. One of the key factors in determining sex is the measurement of mandibular size. The use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has revolutionized the field of radiography, offering high accuracy in the measurement of craniofacial structures, including the mandible. This systematic review aims to understand the differences in the size of the mandible between men and women and determine the best measurements that can be used in the identification of sex using CBCT techniques.

The Importance of Mandibular Size in Sex Identification

Mandibular size is a critical factor in sex identification, as it can provide valuable information about an individual's sex. The mandible is a complex structure that consists of various dimensions, including bigonial width, bicondillar width, ramus length, mandible length, minimum ramus width, and gonial angle. These dimensions can vary significantly between men and women, making them useful indicators of sex.

The Role of CBCT in Mandibular Measurement

CBCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam to produce high-resolution images of the craniofacial structures. This technique offers several advantages over traditional radiography, including higher accuracy, faster scanning times, and lower radiation doses. The use of CBCT in mandibular measurement has become increasingly popular in forensic odontology, as it provides a more accurate and reliable method of determining mandibular size.

Research Methodology

This systematic review was conducted by searching four journal databases, namely Pubmed, EBSCO, Proquest, and Google Scholar, until March 3, 2021. The search process followed the PRISMA stages and used relevant keywords to identify studies that met the inclusion criteria. The quality of the literature was evaluated based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) assessment by two reviewers. The inclusion criteria in this study included population (mandibula from men and women), interventions (use of CBCT), and outcomes (differences in the size of the mandible between sex).

Results and Analysis

A total of eight studies were analyzed, with a total sample of 1252 mandibulas. The results showed that the average mandibular size, including bigonial width, bicondillar width, ramus length, mandible length, minimum ramus width, and gonial angle, was significantly greater in men than women (p < 0.05). Conversely, the gonial angle was reported to be greater in women compared to men significantly (p < 0.05) in several studies. However, one study reported that the average gonial angle size was greater in men (p < 0.01).

The Most Appropriate Measurement of the Mandibular

Based on the results of seven studies, the most appropriate measurement of the mandibular was sorted as follows:

Bigonial width: This dimension was found to be significantly greater in men than women (p < 0.05).
Ramus length: This dimension was also found to be significantly greater in men than women (p < 0.05).
Gonial angle: This dimension was reported to be greater in women compared to men significantly (p < 0.05) in several studies.
Bicondillar width: This dimension was found to be significantly greater in men than women (p < 0.05).
Mandible length: This dimension was also found to be significantly greater in men than women (p < 0.05).
Minimum ramus width: This dimension was found to be significantly greater in men than women (p < 0.05).
Gnathion length: This dimension was found to be significantly greater in men than women (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This systematic review provides important insights for the practice of forensic odontology, highlighting the use of CBCT radiography as a tool that can increase the accuracy of sex identification based on the characteristics of the mandibular size. The results of this study show that the average mandible size in men is larger than women, with the most appropriate size for sex identification being bigonial width, bicondillar width, ramus length, mandible length, minimum ramus width, and gonial angle. However, the results also indicate the presence of variations that may be caused by population differences in each study analyzed. Further research is needed to overcome these differences and strengthen the conclusions resulting from this study.

Implications for Forensic Odontology

The findings of this systematic review have significant implications for the practice of forensic odontology. The use of CBCT radiography can provide a more accurate and reliable method of determining mandibular size, which can be used to identify sex. This can be particularly useful in cases where traditional methods of sex identification are not possible or are inconclusive. Additionally, the results of this study highlight the importance of considering population differences when interpreting mandibular size data.

Limitations of the Study

This systematic review has several limitations. The search process was limited to four journal databases, and the inclusion criteria were restricted to studies that used CBCT radiography. Additionally, the quality of the literature was evaluated based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) assessment, which may not capture all the relevant factors. Further research is needed to overcome these limitations and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the differences in mandibular size between men and women.

Future Directions

Future research should focus on overcoming the limitations of this study and providing a more comprehensive understanding of the differences in mandibular size between men and women. This can be achieved by conducting larger and more diverse studies, using more advanced imaging techniques, and considering population differences when interpreting mandibular size data. Additionally, further research is needed to develop more accurate and reliable methods of sex identification based on mandibular size data.
Q&A: Differences in the Size of the Mandible through the Radiography of Cone Beam Computed Tomography for Sex Identification in Forensic Odontology

Q: What is the significance of mandibular size in sex identification?

A: Mandibular size is a critical factor in sex identification, as it can provide valuable information about an individual's sex. The mandible is a complex structure that consists of various dimensions, including bigonial width, bicondillar width, ramus length, mandible length, minimum ramus width, and gonial angle. These dimensions can vary significantly between men and women, making them useful indicators of sex.

Q: What is Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and how does it relate to mandibular measurement?

A: CBCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam to produce high-resolution images of the craniofacial structures. This technique offers several advantages over traditional radiography, including higher accuracy, faster scanning times, and lower radiation doses. The use of CBCT in mandibular measurement has become increasingly popular in forensic odontology, as it provides a more accurate and reliable method of determining mandibular size.

Q: What are the most appropriate measurements of the mandibular for sex identification?

A: Based on the results of seven studies, the most appropriate measurement of the mandibular for sex identification is:

Bigonial width: This dimension was found to be significantly greater in men than women (p < 0.05).
Ramus length: This dimension was also found to be significantly greater in men than women (p < 0.05).
Gonial angle: This dimension was reported to be greater in women compared to men significantly (p < 0.05) in several studies.
Bicondillar width: This dimension was found to be significantly greater in men than women (p < 0.05).
Mandible length: This dimension was also found to be significantly greater in men than women (p < 0.05).
Minimum ramus width: This dimension was found to be significantly greater in men than women (p < 0.05).
Gnathion length: This dimension was found to be significantly greater in men than women (p < 0.05).

Q: What are the implications of this study for forensic odontology?

A: The findings of this study have significant implications for the practice of forensic odontology. The use of CBCT radiography can provide a more accurate and reliable method of determining mandibular size, which can be used to identify sex. This can be particularly useful in cases where traditional methods of sex identification are not possible or are inconclusive.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This systematic review has several limitations. The search process was limited to four journal databases, and the inclusion criteria were restricted to studies that used CBCT radiography. Additionally, the quality of the literature was evaluated based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) assessment, which may not capture all the relevant factors. Further research is needed to overcome these limitations and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the differences in mandibular size between men and women.

Q: What are the future directions for research in this area?

A: Future research should focus on overcoming the limitations of this study and providing a more comprehensive understanding of the differences in mandibular size between men and women. This can be achieved by conducting larger and more diverse studies, using more advanced imaging techniques, and considering population differences when interpreting mandibular size data. Additionally, further research is needed to develop more accurate and reliable methods of sex identification based on mandibular size data.

Q: How can this study be applied in real-world forensic odontology cases?

A: The findings of this study can be applied in real-world forensic odontology cases where sex identification is necessary. For example, in cases of human remains or unidentified individuals, the use of CBCT radiography can provide a more accurate and reliable method of determining mandibular size, which can be used to identify sex. This can be particularly useful in cases where traditional methods of sex identification are not possible or are inconclusive.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study in other fields?

A: The findings of this study have potential applications in other fields, such as anthropology, archaeology, and medicine. For example, in anthropology and archaeology, the use of CBCT radiography can provide a more accurate and reliable method of determining mandibular size, which can be used to identify sex and reconstruct the demographic characteristics of ancient populations. In medicine, the use of CBCT radiography can provide a more accurate and reliable method of determining mandibular size, which can be used to diagnose and treat various dental and maxillofacial disorders.