Radiologic Evaluation of Odontometric and Osteologic Traits for Gender Determination in Adult Ethnic Tamil Population

Abstract

Background: Odontometric and osteologic trait have always served as an excellent resource in anthropological, genetic, odontologic, and forensic investigations. Traits: The aim of this study was to find the most reliable method for gender determination by correlating both the odontometric and osteologic variables. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using digital panoramic radiographs of 400 individuals (200 males and 200 females) with age ranging from 20 to 50 years. Standardized digital panoramic radiographs of patients taken as part of pretreatment planning for implants, extractions of third molars, and for periodontal diseases were selected from the archives. Measurements were done using IMAGE Pro software. Results: Mesiodistal width of 17–47 exhibited significant gender variation. Osteologic parameters such as ramus dimension and the gonial angle also showed significant gender variation and the mandibular asymmetry was significant in both the genders. Conclusion: Correlation of the two group of traits showed strong positive predictive values attributable for gender determination.