Evaluation of the mandibular notch angle in three-dimensional virtual models as a parameter for determining age and sexual dimorphism

Authors

  • Ana Amélia Barbieri São Paulo State University (Unesp) – Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos – Department of Diagnosis and Surgery – SP – Brazil. http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3917-5679
  • Daniela Bonfiette São Paulo State University (Unesp) – Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos – Department of Diagnosis and Surgery – SP – Brazil. http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2270-7982
  • Jeferson Lopes Campos Borges São Paulo State University (Unesp) – Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos – Department of Diagnosis and Surgery – SP – Brazil. http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2251-1963
  • Eurico C Oliveira São Paulo State University (Unesp) – Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos – Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis – SP – Brazil.
  • Afonso Celso Souza Assis São Paulo State University (Unesp) – Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos – Department of Diagnosis and Surgery – SP – Brazil. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4940-6285
  • Luís Roberto Manhães Júnior São Paulo State University (Unesp) – Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos – Department of Diagnosis and Surgery – SP – Brazil. http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1642-5241
  • Sérgio Lúcio Pereira de Castro Lopes São Paulo State University (Unesp) – Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos – Department of Diagnosis and Surgery – SP – Brazil. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0068-7020

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14295/bds.2018.v21i4.1621

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the opening of the mandibular notch angle (MNA) as a possible tool for predicting sex and estimating age so as to contribute to forensic anthropological studies. Material and Methods:  For this, 60 cone beam computed tomographs (CBCT) belonging to the UNESP ICT Radiology archive, were selected: 5 female and 5 male for each decade of life, beginning on twenties until there seventies, totalizing 30 female and 30 male. Three-dimensional models were generated for each exam and measurements were performed with three-dimensional angular measuring tools using OnDemand 3D software (Cybermed Inc., Tustin, CA, USA) on the MNA. The MNA was measured considering the posteriormost portion of the coronoid process, the lowest point of the mandibular notch, and the anteriormost point of the condylar process of the mandible. The Mann-Whitney test was performed with the intention of establishing the possible comparative relationships between the values of angular measurements and sex. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between mandibular incision measurements in both sexes, as well as when comparing the angular measurements of the mandibular incisions and the different age groups studied, when a Kruskall-Wallis test was performed. Conclusion: It was concluded that the structure being evaluated did not appear to be an instrument capable of contributing to forensic anthropology evaluations.

Keywords:

 X-ray computed tomography; Forensic anthropology; Legal dentistry; Determination of age by skeleton; Analysis for determination of sex.

Author Biography

Ana Amélia Barbieri, São Paulo State University (Unesp) – Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos – Department of Diagnosis and Surgery – SP – Brazil.

Cirurgiã-Dentista, Especialista em Odontologia Legal e Deontologia - FOP/UNICAMP, Mestre em Biologia Buco Dental área de concentração Odontologia Legal e Deontologia -FOP/UNICAMP, Doutora em Biopatologia Bucal área de concentração Radiologia Odontológica. Faculdade de Odontologia de São José dos Campos - Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho – UNESP, São Paulo, Brasil.

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Published

2018-10-24

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 4 (2018): Oct. - Dec. / 2018 - Published October 2018

Section

Clinical or Laboratorial Research