Sex estimation in Indians by digital analysis of gonial angle on lateral cephalographs

Abstract

Objective: Sex estimation of skeletons is important in forensic reconstructive identification. The mandible is a durable component that is suitable to discriminate the sexes while lateral cephalometry is a standardised radiographic technique accepted as a tool in personal identification. Limited data is available for the mandibular/gonial angle as a parameter for sex assessment using lateral cephalometric radiographs. The aim of this study is to determine the gonial angle’s accuracy in sexing Indians using a new digital method and statistical approach. Method: The sample comprised of 304 digital lateral cephalometric radiographs (155 females and 149 males, age between 18-30 years) of Indian subjects. The mandibular/gonial angle was measured on these radiographs using Adobe Photoshop software using tools available therein. The obtained angles for the sexes were subjected to logistic regression analysis (LRA), which forms a composite of weighted independent variables using a multivariate strategy. Results: The average angle was 122.7° for females and 121.1°for males. LRA produced an accuracy rate of 56.3% in sex assessment, with females being more accurately identified (61.9%) than males (50.3%). Conclusion: The study demonstrated significant univariate sexual dimorphism among males and females in this population. However, the sex prediction value of this approach was low and thus may not be useful