An anthropometric assessment method for facial profile determination in forensics

Abstract

Objectives: It is extremely difficult for forensic experts to identify the individuals, especially during mass disasters and natural calamities such as earthquakes. In most cases, the facial profile is completely destroyed and the dentition is the only source or tool which helps in identifying the individuals and their gender. The aim of this study was to evaluate and correlate inner intercanthal distance (IICD), outer intercanthal distance (OICD), interalar distance (IAD), and bizygomatic width (BZW) to the maxillary intercanine distance (MICD) to determine facial profile and gender. Material and Methods: The study was carried out after informed consent and involved 100 subjects who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Five parameters were measured: IICD, OICD, IAD, BZW, and MICD using digital Vernier caliper. The data were summarized in table form and were statistically analyzed using Pearson correlation. Results: OICD was more in females, whereas MICD was more in males. Significant correlation was observed between IICD and BZW (r = 0.224, P = 0.014), IICD and IAD (r = 0.411, P = 0.001), BZW and MICD (r = 0.229, P = 0.022), and IAD and MICD (r = 0.247, P = 0.013); negative correlation was observed between OICD and MICD (r = −0.023, P = 0.818). Conclusion: MICD can be used as a tool for the determination of facial profile and gender, although a larger sample size is required for further study.