Determination of gender by using mandibular flexure – A radiographic study

Abstract

Introduction: In forensic medicine identification of age, gender is an initial step in determining one's identity. After the pelvis, mandible plays an important role in determining gender when the whole body is not present. Forensic dentists require knowledge encompassing a number of disciplines since the dental records obtained can identify an individual or afford the information needed by the authorities to establish neglect, fraud, or abuse. Aim: Determination of gender by using mandibular ramus flexure. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 50 male and 50 female orthopantomographs taken in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. Each image was examined for the presence of flexure on the posterior margin of the ramus at the occlusal plane. The posterior margin of the ramus was carefully traced graphically and the occlusal plane level was delineated as guided by the height of cusp tips at the occlusal surfaces of the mandibular molars. Results: In the present study, it was proved 64% accuracy in determination of gender with P value of 0.005. Conclusion: By using ramus flexure, sex can be determined moderately and can be used as a supplementary in determining the sex.

Keywords

• Gender determination
• mandibular ramus flexure
• orthopantamograph