A Study of Sex Determination from Human Mandible Using Various Morphometrical Parameters

Introduction: Examination of bones is important for identification of deceased and determination of sex. The mandible is the largest and hardest facial bone, that commonly resist post mortem damage and forms an important source of information about sexual dimorphism. Aim: The purpose of the study is to analyze sexual dimorphism in the mandibles of South Indian population. Materials and Methods: A random collection of 50 adult, dry, complete, undamaged human mandibles of South Indian population were subjected to metrical parameters like Gonial angle, Bigonial width, Height of ramus, Bicondylar breadth, Mandibular length, Length of lower jaw, Mandibular index, Body thickness, Coronoid height, Bimental breadth, Symphyseal height and Body height using Mandibulometer and Digital Vernier caliper. Statistical Analysis used: The data’s were expressed as Mean ± SD and then analyzed by unpaired t-test by using IBM SPSS Statistics 21. Discriminating point and limiting points were also calculated. Results: After obtaining all the measurements, unpaired ‘t-test’ was performed. The Gonial angle, Bigonial width, Height of ramus, Bicondylar breadth, Mandibular length, Length of lower jaw, Body thickness, Coronoid height, Bimental breadth, Symphyseal height and Body height showed statistically significant gender difference. Conclusion: The present study highlighted that the gender of the mandible can be determined using different metrical parameters as an additional tool to establish the identity of a person.