Evaluation of Sexual Dimorphism and Age Determination Through Bimastoid Breadth Measurement Using Digital Computed Tomography Images in the Iranian Population

Abstract

Individual identification is a critical focus of forensic research, aiming to achieve heightened accuracy in the identification process. Particularly in cases involving fragmented and damaged skeletal remains, sex determination plays a pivotal role. It is imperative to establish the precision of cadaver bones in such scenarios. This research aimed to evaluate sex-based differences and assess age using bimastoid width measured through digital computed tomography images. The study included a total of 153 adults (77 males and 76 females) aged between 15 and 50. Bimastoid breadth measurements were obtained from CT scan images of the skull base, revealing that bimastoid distance is larger in males compared to females. The study observed significant differences in bimastoid breadth between men and women, with an average mastoid width of 132.371 in men and 121.724 in women. The findings indicate that the measurement of bimastoid breadth does not significantly change with increasing age. However, substantial differences were found between men and women in bimastoid breadth measurements, which can be utilized to determine sex in forensic investigations.

Keywords

• forensic sciences
• age determination
• bimastoid breadth measurement
• digital computed tomography.
• sexual dimorphism