Sexual dimorphism of mandibular angle in a Lebanese sample

Abstract 

Sexual dimorphism represents a group of morphologic characteristics that differentiate males from females. Craniofacial morphology and more specifically the mandibular angle have been evaluated for their interest in orthodontic, anthropologic and forensic applications. Currently, limited data are available relative to the significance of the mandibular angle in sex determination in various populations. The objective of this preliminary study is to evaluate the significance of the mandibular angle in sex determination in a sample of Lebanese young individuals.

Lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained from 83 young individuals (40 males and 43 females) aged between 17 and 26years. No statistically significant differences were detected between both genders relative to the mean values of A1, A2 and A3 measured for each individual using the ramus plane intersected with the mandibular planes of Downs, Sassouni and Steiner, respectively.

This study demonstrated no significant difference of the mandibular angle in sex determination in the young Lebanese population. Further investigations with a larger sample size and a strongly established Lebanese background should be conducted to test the applicability of the mandibular angle sexual dimorphism.

Keywords: Forensic odontology, Sexual dimorphism, Mandibular angle, Cephalometry