Determination Of Sex Of Mandible From Pieces Of Mandible

Abstract

Background: Mandible is a strong bone and shows sexual dimorphism. As criminals are trying to obliterate the identity of victim; instead of intact mandible, pieces of mandible are sent for examination. Sex determination is the first parameter in determination of identity as other parameters like age, stature and race etc. are dependent on sex.  Methods: This is an observational study. Four Morphometric Parameters were examined in 90 mandibles (46 male and 44 female). Results: Statistical analysis and ‘p-value’ determination was done for all Metric Parameters. Gonion-Gnathion-Distance (Diagonal Length), Maximum Height of Ramus, Symphyseal Height were found to be ‘Statistically Significant’ while the Mandibular Angle was found to be ‘Not Statistically Significant’. Interpretation and Conclusion:  Determination of sex from pieces of mandible is crucial in Medicolegal Cases and in Anthropology. The conventional method of observation of morphological features is difficult when examining a piece of mandible. Therefore, metrical parameters are the only option available. Our study is helpful in choosing the morphometric parameter which are ‘Statistically Significant’ while not choosing those which are ‘Not Statistically Significant’.