A novel approach toward mandibular condyle imaging and quantification through modified reverse panoramic radiography for determination of gender

Abstract

Background: Mandible is the only movable bone of the skull which provides an arena for age and gender determination. A normal variation of the condylar morphology that occurs with age, gender, facial type, and functional load has been established by few authors. It is still the incompletely explored quarter in anthropology and forensic science for gender determination. Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the reliability of mandibular anteroposterior condylar diameter for gender determination utilizing modified reverse panoramic radiographic technique. Materials and Methods: Reverse panoramic radiograph of 60 healthy randomly selected individuals (30 males and 30 females) was taken between the age group of 25 to 45 years. Anteroposterior maximum diameter of both condyles (right and left) was recorded with Trophy Dicom Imaging software, and the values obtained were further subjected for statistical analysis. Results: Average anteroposterior diameter of condyle in male and female was observed, i.e., 10.21533 ± 0.99595 and 9.401667 ± 1.048026 mm, respectively, which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Although the present study is a pilot study, we can conclude that maximum anteroposterior diameter of the mandibular condyle can assist in gender determination. Modified reverse panoramic radiographic technique is a noble and practical tool in visualization of both condyles, which most of the times cannot be clearly visualized in orthopantomogram due to the overlapping of anatomical structures.