Fractal Analysis as an Aid in Gender Determination. A Retrospective Pilot Study

Abstract

Background of the Study: Studies conducted for the determination of gender utilizing changes in trabecular pattern in mandible on an orthopantomogram have been very sparse. Hence, this study is designed to help in gender determination using an innovative aid, fractal analysis. Aim: The aim is to determine/establish the gender using fractal analysis. Methodology: A total of 1,248 orthopantomogram were screened during the period of 2020 and 2021 in the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department of P. M. Nadagouda Memorial Dental College and Hospital of which 30 males and 30 females were selected between the age group of 20–30 years. The region of interest at the angle of the mandible on the right side was selected as the geometric center. The region of interest was again subjected to fractal analysis using ImageJ software, and the values were recorded by analyzing the trabecular pattern. Result: The data were analyzed statistically and it was noted that the mean fractal analysis values in females were 0.103 and 0.148 in males, which were significantly less when compared to the males. Conclusion: The results showed that fractal analysis can be used as an aid to assess the trabecular pattern in the determination of the sex of an individual.

Keywords

• fractal analysis
• gender determination
• orthopantomogram
• trabecular pattern