Assessing mandibular ramus breadth and gonial angle for sex determination using cone-beam computed tomography – A pilot study

ABSTRACT Background: The mandible is a significant bone for forensic sex analysis due to its distinct differences between males and females, especially in degraded remains. Aim: This study assesses the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in measuring mandibular ramus breadth and gonial angle for sex determination. Materials and Methods: Archived CBCT scans of individuals between 18 and 60 years were retrospectively analyzed using a quantitative approach. The study included images of the entire mandible with complete dentition while excluding those with pathological changes. Measurements were taken for maximum and minimum ramus breadth and gonial angle by two blinded observers. Statistical analyses included t -tests, analysis of variance, and Duncan’s post hoc tests, utilizing SPSS Version 19.0. Results: Significant differences were found in gonial angles between sexes, with males exhibiting smaller angles (128.60° right, 127.15° left) compared to females (132.53° right, 130.05° left, P = 0.029 and P = 0.043). Minimum ramus breadth showed significant differences on the left side ( P = 0.045). No significant differences were observed in maximum ramus breadth across age groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that CBCT is an effective radiographic tool, and also, parameters of mandibular ramus breadth and gonial angle are reliable markers of sexual dimorphism.