Can Mental Index be used on CBCT images to determine sexual dimorphism?

Abstract

Objective: Radiomorphometric indices (RI) vary according to gender and age. The objective of this study was to assess bone quality in men and women, using tomographic images Methods: A total of 78 Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images of female and male patients were analyzed. The images were obtained from LAPI-FOUSP database, São Paulo, Brazil, and the Mental Index, which is a quantitative index, was evaluated on those images. The images were divided into 2 groups: Group M – Men and Group W – Women and evaluated by one examiner in two different times (T1 and T2). The data was submitted to a statistical analysis with a 95% level of significance (p <0.05) Results: The ICC tests showed an average to good intra-examiner agreement. The age averages were: 48.46 ± 15.3 for group W and 53.87 ± 13.09 for group M. On the MI evaluation, statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups Conclusion: We concluded that MI can be used to determine sexual dimorphism, once the thickness of the mandible cortex in women is smaller than the thickness found in men.

Mandibular assessment of panoramic radiographs for sex identification

“…Radiomorphometric indices are used to assess bone morphology, both qualitatively and quantitatively in imaging examinations. These indices involve the application of various metrics to radiographic images, with a primary focus on measuring cortical bone, which is more readily distinguishable in radiographs compared to trabecular bone [14]. This methodology holds significant importance in forensic research, especially in cases where the identification of skull fragments based on dental arches is unlikely.…”

“…This methodology holds significant importance in forensic research, especially in cases where the identification of skull fragments based on dental arches is unlikely. In such instances, sex determination is essential to promptly rule out multiple hypotheses but also contribute to the development of a biological profile of human remains, thus moving closer to a compatible identification [14].…”

“…Nevertheless, PR remains widely accessible and cost-effective, leading to its frequent use in combination with radiomorphometric indices (RIs) in various scientific studies, particularly in areas such as osteoporosis and osteogenesis imperfecta [13]. Radiomorphometric indices are instrumental in quantitatively and qualitatively assessing bone morphology through the application of several indices to radiographic images [14]. However, there is a noticeable scarcity of literature regarding the use of RI for sexual dimorphism assessment, underscoring the urgent need for more research on this topic.…”