Determination of gender by radiographic analysis of mental foramen in computed tomography

Abstract

Background: Determination of gender using skeletal remains presents a great problem to forensic experts. Among many anatomical landmarks in human skull, the mental foramen (MF) is a stable landmark. Objectives: To estimate gender of individuals by radiographic analysis of MF on computed tomography. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 100 computed tomography images of patients. The sample was chosen in 1:1 ratio with 50 males and 50 females. Digital scale was used in computed tomography images for marking the tangents on superior and inferior border of MF and perpendiculars were drawn from tangents to lower border of mandible bilaterally and measurements were recorded. Results: The mean distance from the superior border of the MF to the lower border of the mandible and the inferior border of the MF to the lower border of the mandible on right and left sides was more in males when compared to females, which was statistically significant. Conclusion: The distances from the MF to the lower border of the mandible exhibit sexual dimorphism. This method is efficient and can be considered as an additional radiographic method to determine gender from skeletal remains.