Sex Estimation through the Study of Computed Tomography of the Mandible.

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated the potential of the mandible as an anatomical structure for sex estimation using three-dimensional images generated by computed tomography.

Materials and methods: The research was conducted on 93 dry mandibles from the ICB-USP collection, aged over 18 years, and analyzed through 12 external measurements performed in the Meshmixer® software.

Results: The data were subjected to binomial logistic regression and ROC curve analysis, revealing areas under the curve between 0.61 and 0.76, sensitivity between 55.36% and 80.36%, and specificity between 51.35% and 78.38% with ramus length, mandibular body height, and angle width as the most accurate. The study reinforces the feasibility of using tomography as an alternative to direct physical analysis of bones, especially when access to osteological specimens is limited. It highlights the importance of validating methods in multiracial populations such as the Brazilian.

Conclusion: It is concluded that mandibular anthropometric analysis by tomographic images is a complementary tool in forensic sex identification, with practical applicability when recovery of complete skeletal material is difficult.