Are computed tomography images of the mandible useful in age and sex determination? A forensic science meta-analysis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This meta-analysis addresses the use of mandibular computed tomography (CT) scans for age and/or sex determination in forensic science. METHODS: Six databases were searched until June 2023, using the keyword "mandible" combined with keywords related to "multislice computed tomography" (MCT) or "cone-beam computed tomography" (CBCT) and keywords related to "skeletal age determination" or "sex determination analysis." MAIN RESULTS: Among the 23 studies included, 11 used MCT and 12 used CBCT to perform forensic assessments. Age determination was the aim of a single study, sex and agedeterminations were the objective of five studies, and the other studies investigated the determination of sex only. Metaanalysis could be performed only for sex determination. CONCLUSIONS: Mandible measurements are useful in sex determination, as the bicondylar and bigonial breadth are larger in males than in females. For the mandible angle, the meta-analysis results confirm sex dimorphism in CBCT scans but not in MCT scans. For age estimation, further studies are needed to prove that the mandible hole is a reliable parameter for age estimation. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021260967.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)38-57
Number of pages20
JournalJournal of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology
Volume42
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 30 2024

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

  • Computed tomography
  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Human Identification
  • Jaw
  • Mandible

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Are computed tomography images of the mandible useful in age and sex determination? A forensic science meta-analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this