Are computed tomography images of the mandible useful in age and sex determination? A forensic science meta-analysis
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 age determinations were the objective of five studies, and the other studies investigated the determination of sex only. Meta-analysis 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.
