Analyzing the measurements of gonial angle by panoramic radiographs for forensic estimation in Iraqi population

Abstract

Aim: this study aimed to measure the size of gonial angle on digital panoramicradiography and correlate these measurements with age, gender, and dentate statusand this determination of sex and age is necessary in forensic practice andmedicolegal purposes, therefore the usefulness of gonial angle measurements ondigital panoramic images as indicators for sex and age in Iraqi population sample.Materials and Methods: this study conducted on 40 Iraqi subjects (21 male and 19female) aged from (20-80) years. Subjects were divided in to 2 study groups· Dentulous study group ( 20 subjects )· Edentulous study group ( 20 subjects )Using digital panoramic image, the gonial angle was measured on both right andleft sides for 2 study groupsResults:- According to the age: in both dentulous and edentulous study groups, there wassignificant difference in mean gonial angle (GA) between 2 age groups (youngerand older age groups) , the mean GA was significantly higher in the older agegroup , P value < 0.001- According to the gender: in dentulous study group there was non-significantdifference in mean GA between males and females , P value = 0.76 while inedentulous study group , the mean GA was significantly higher in females , Pvalue = 0.01- According to the dentate status: the edentulous study group statisticallysignificant higher mean GA compared to dentulous study group, P value < 0.001Conclusions: gonial angle does show changes with dentition status (edentulism) ,therefore dentist role in qualitative and quantitative assessment of mandibulargonial angle by using digital panoramic radiography has become an essential aidfor human identification in forensic dentistry.