The value of lateral cephalometric image in sex identification

Abstract

Determination of sex and estimation of stature from the skeleton is vital to medicolegal investigations. Skull is composed of hard tissue and is the best preserved part of skeleton after death, hence, in many cases it is the only available part for forensic examination. Lateral cephalogram is ideal for the skull examination as it gives details of various anatomical points in a single radiograph. This study was undertaken to evaluate the accuracy of digital cephalometric system as quick, easy and reproducible supplement tool in sex determination in Iraqi samples in different age range using certain linear and angular craniofacial measurements in predicting sex. Materials and Method The sample consisted of 113of true lateral cephalometric radiographs for adults with age range from 22-43 years old (51 males, 62 females), using certain linear and angular craniofacial measurements with the aid of computer program AutoCAD 2007 Results: The eleven parameters measured for males and females when compared are statistically significantly different. All cranio-cephalometric measurements gave overall predictive accuracy of sex determination by discriminant analysis (86.7%). The stepwise selection method gave overall predictive accuracy of sex determination by discriminant analysis (85.8%). Age showed no statistical difference among the studied age range except for the distance from Mastoid to Frankfort plane. Conclusion: The lateral cephalometric measurements of craniofacial bones are useful to support sex determination of Iraqi population in forensic radiographic medicine. Keyword: Sex determination, lateral cephalgram, discriminant analysis, craniofacial measurements. (J Bagh Coll Dentistry 2013; 25(2):54-58).