Cephalometric Analysis for Gender Determination Using Maxillary Sinus Index in Population of Gujrat, India

Abstract

Introduction: Humans are sexually dimorphic. Identification of remnants of skeletal and decomposing parts of humans is one of the most difficult skills in forensic medicine. Forensic anthropologists can receive whole or fragmented skeletal remains. But the unique thing is that the maxillary sinus is intact within the skull, so maxillary sinus radiography is being used to identify remains and determine gender. Materials and Method: A total of 51 adult digital lateral cephalometric radiographs (20 males and 31 females) were included in the study. The maxillary sinus analysis was performed by measuring the height and width of these digital lateral cephalometric radiographs using measurement tools of Sidexis4 software. Maxillary sinus index was calculated, discriminant function analysis performed, and discriminant equation derived for determination of gender. Results: Comparison of maxillary sinus parameters (height and width) between male and female groups showed statistically insignificant differences in this study. Regression analysis is done and an equation is derived, which will aid in the prediction of gender by substituting the values of specific measurements in the equation.