Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the opening of the mandibular notch angle (MNA) as a possible tool for predicting sex and estimating age so as to contribute to forensic anthropological studies. Material and Methods: For this, 60 cone beam computed tomographs (CBCT) belonging to the UNESP ICT Radiology archive, were selected: 5 female and 5 male for each decade of life, beginning on twenties until there seventies, totalizing 30 female and 30 male. Three-dimensional models were generated for each exam and measurements were performed with three-dimensional angular measuring tools using OnDemand 3D software (Cybermed Inc., Tustin, CA, USA) on the MNA. The MNA was measured considering the posteriormost portion of the coronoid process, the lowest point of the mandibular notch, and the anteriormost point of the condylar process of the mandible. The Mann-Whitney test was performed with the intention of establishing the possible comparative relationships between the values of angular measurements and sex. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between mandibular incision measurements in both sexes, as well as when comparing the angular measurements of the mandibular incisions and the different age groups studied, when a Kruskall-Wallis test was performed. Conclusion: It was concluded that the structure being evaluated did not appear to be an instrument capable of contributing to forensic anthropology evaluations.Keywords: X-ray computed tomography; Forensic anthropology; Legal dentistry; Determination of age by skeleton; Analysis for determination of sex.
Highlights
Forensic anthropology is that part of anthropology that studies humans with the purpose of identifying them by means of their bone structures
The sample was composed of 60 conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) exams, with 30 exams from males and 30 from females
Three-dimensional angular measurements were made to carry out the following measurements on 3D models: the angle formed which sides corresponded to semi-straight tangents to the sides of mandibular notches (MNA)
Summary
Forensic anthropology is that part of anthropology that studies humans with the purpose of identifying them by means of their bone structures. This has led to the widespread application of its methods on cadavers that are charred, mutilated, or in advanced states of decomposition, or even in bone fragments [1]. Many of the structural elements of the craniofacial skeleton have been studied and measured as to their dimensions so that they can be used as parameters for estimating the age and sex of individuals, as well as for the identification of corpses. The forensic anthropological method of estimating age and sex through somatometric measurements of bone structures is widely used, given its mathematical precision and broad analysis of the population used in the studies. It should be noted that the effectiveness of somatometry is related to its regional application, due to the mixture of ethnicities and environmental factors that leave specific characteristics in certain populations, causing peculiarities in their measurements and angles [2,3]
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