Anthropometric Study of The Mandible For Age and Sex Estimation in Forensics

Abstract

Background: In forensic anthropology, accurate estimation of age and sex from skeletal remains forms the foundation of biological profiling, particularly in cases of mass disasters, criminal investigations, or unidentified bodies.

Objective: To conduct an anthropometric study of the human mandible for estimating age and sex, and to determine the most reliable morphometric parameters for forensic identification.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Quaid-E-Azam Medical College Bahawalpur from December 2023 to December 2024. A total of 75 adult human mandibles (42 male, 33 female) were analyzed using standard anthropometric procedures. Parameters measured included bigonial width, bicondylar breadth, mandibular body length, ramus height, and gonial angle. Measurements were recorded using a digital vernier caliper (accuracy ±0.01 mm) and a goniometer.

Results: Male mandibles exhibited significantly greater dimensions in bigonial width (97.2 ± 4.9 mm), bicondylar breadth (121.6 ± 5.8 mm), mandibular body length (80.2 ± 5.3 mm), and ramus height (68.9 ± 3.8 mm) compared to females (p < 0.05). Conversely, the mean gonial angle was larger in females (126.5° ± 6.1°) than in males (120.9° ± 5.8°). Age analysis showed a progressive decrease in ramus height and an increase in gonial angle with advancing age (p < 0.05). Discriminant function analysis revealed that bicondylar breadth, bigonial width, and ramus height provided the highest accuracy for sex classification, correctly identifying 85% of mandibles overall.

Conclusion: The mandible exhibits clear sexual dimorphism and predictable age-related changes, underscoring its value in forensic identification. Linear measurements such as bicondylar breadth, bigonial width, and ramus height are particularly effective for sex estimation