Varsha Kanjani

Abstract

Introduction: Maxillofacial radiology plays a significant role in forensic anthropology for age and sex discrimination in case of mass disasters. Anatomically, Styloid process is bony structure; cylindrical in shape arises from the temporal bone which tapers gradually towards apex. A careful clinical and radiological examination can lead to early detection of its length, anatomic variations and elongation. Therefore, morphometric analysis of length of the styloid process can be one of the adjuvant tools for age and sex discrimination in forensic anthropology. Aim: To evaluate the length and anatomic variations of the styloid process as an aid in age and sex discrimination using digital panaromic radiographs. Materials and Methods: Digital panaromic radiographs of 3800 individuals were randomly taken from private diagnostic clinic’s database. All the panaromic radiographs were evaluated for the radiographic length and anatomic variations of the styloid process bilaterally using measuring tool inbuild in the software. The obtained data was analyzed using SPSS software version 21.0. Results: The mean lengths of the styloid processes were statistically significant as the age advances and also in males and females bilaterally (p value < 0> Conclusion: The morphometric evaluation of the styloid process of the temporal bone can be used as an adjuvant in age and sex discrimination using digital panaromic radiograph. Keywords: Digital panaromic radiography, Eagle’s syndrome, Forensic anthropology, Morphometric analysis, Styloid process.

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Abstract

Introduction: Human radiography plays a major role for personal and gender identification in case of natural disasters such as earth quacks, tsunamis, etc. when human remains are decayed or deceased. The uniqueness in dimensions and patterns of the frontal sinus (FS) lead to advances in forensic dentistry. Aim: To evaluate the dimensions and patterns of FS as observed on posterior-anterior (PA) cephalogram for personal and gender identification. Materials and Methods: A total of 700 PA Cephlograms, 350 males and 350 females were selected. The mean dimensions and patterns of the FS in males and females were determined and evaluated. Results: On intergroup comparison, the difference in dimensions of males and females were statistically significant with p-value of 0.000. The present study revealed that out of 700, FS symmetry and asymmetry was observed in 386 (55.14%) and 165 (23.57%) individuals respectively. The FS aplasia was seen in 149 (21.2%) individuals. Conclusion: The morphometric analysis of FS can serve as an adjunct to other methods of personal and gender identification. Keywords: Personal identification, Frontal Sinus, PA cephalogram.

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