Evaluation of Sexual Dimorphism of Inter Condylo-Coronoid Process Distance by Panoramic Radiography in South Indian Population

Background: Sexual dimorphism is a condition where the sexes of an equivalent species exhibit different characteristics beyond the differences in their sexual organs. Sexual identification is most significant in huge fatality accidents where the body is beyond recognition. Coronoid process of mandible is a triangular eminence, thin and flattened in size and shape. The Condylar process is the process of the mandible and it is thicker than the coronoid process. Identification of Gender characteristics is of forensic importance.

Aim: To evaluate the sexual dimorphism of inter condylo-coronoid process distance by Panoramic radiographic study in the south Indian population.

Materials and Methods: A total of 49 digital orthopantomogram collected from a private dental college in Chennai. The distance between the condylar and the coronoid process is measured on both sides of a digital orthopantomogram using adobe photoshop. The data was analyzed and observed using SPSS v23.0 and the standard deviation was calculated.

Results: The mean of left and right distance of inter condylo-coronoid distance is 2.45cm and 2.52cm respectively. The standard deviation of left and right distance of inter condylo-coronoid distance is 0.32cm and 0.31cm respectively.

Conclusion: From the results obtained, within the limitations of the study it can be concluded that there is no significant difference in the measure of distance between inter condyle-coronoid processes in terms of age and gender. Future studies should be conducted with large samples to get conclusive results using advance CBCT.