Measurements of sex-related differences in maxillary sinus and mandibular canal characteristic using cone beam computed tomography

Abstract

Abstract Background Methods for human identification, including sex determination, must enable the examination of severely burned, damaged, or decomposed bodies. Maxillofacial structures that can be used to determine sex include the maxillary sinus and mandibular canal. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a non-invasive, high-resolution method that can visualize maxillofacial anatomy, including the maxillary sinus and the mandibular canal. CBCT provides detailed measurements of any anatomical structure for forensic identification. Aim To evaluate the usefulness of a method to determine sex based on maxillary sinus size and mandibular canal position. Methods The height, length, and width of the maxillary sinus and the distances from the mandibular canal to the buccal, lingual, and inferior borders of the mandible were measured in 138 samples using Digital Image Communication in Medicine-compatible Carestream 3D Imaging Software©. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify specific factors for sex determination. Results The size of the maxillary sinus and the distance from the mandibular canal to the inferior border of the mandible were significantly different between men and women (p Conclusion The height, length, and width of the maxillary sinus, as well as the distance from the mandibular canal to the inferior border of the mandible, can be utilized for sex determination via CBCT radiographic imaging.