Gender determination using mandibular canine index in general population

Abstract

Context: Gender determination of skeletal remains is part of archeological and medicolegal examination. In forensic investigations mandibular canines provide excellent material to identify gender as they are more likely to survive in disaster. Dimorphism in mandibular canines is of immense use in forensic investigation. Aim: The aim of study was to establish mandibular canine index (MCI) for gender determination in general population for age group of 18 - 30 years and to find out efficiency of MCI in establishing gender identity of individual. Setting and Study Design: Patients reporting to Department Of Oral Medicine and Radiology are selected for study after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 200 subjects in general population; (100 males and 100 females). Following parameters were considered in study; mesiodistal width of right and left mandibular canine, intercanine arch width and right and left MCI. All measurements were taken intraorally and then on dental casts of same individuals followed by MCI calculation. Statistical Analysis Used: In the entire study the P -value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The entire data were statistically analyzed by using (SPSS ver 16, IBM corporation, USA). Results: Using the MCI value, gender can be correctly predicted up to 81% in females and 85% in males. Overall, percentage accuracy of MCI in prediction of gender was 83%. The standard MCI value was 0.2661. Also, right canine was found to exhibit more dimorphism than left canine. Conclusion: It was evident from this study that MCI is a good tool for determining gender. It is quick, reliable, and inexpensive method. Along with other parameters it increases percentage accuracy of predicting gender.