Interzygomatic and Intercanthal width - Gender determination methods in forensic dentistry

ABSTRACT

Background: Personal identification is a subtle perception and often one of the most significant priorities in the investigation of criminal cases, mass disasters, and in forensic concerns. Gender determination is one of the important parameters in forensic identification. The study of anthropometric characteristics is of fundamental importance to solve problems related to such cases. Aim: This study aimed to determine gender using physical anthropometric methods like interzygomatic and intercanthal width. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 individuals (30 males and 30 females) in the department of Oral Pathology, Government Dental College and Hospital Srinagar. Interzygomatic width, and intercanthal width was determined using a digital sliding caliper. All the measurements were taken twice. The final value was the average of the two obtained values. Results: There was significantly higher mean interzygomatic and intercanthal width in males as compared to females. Conclusion: Interzygomatic and intercanthal measurements may serve as diagnostic markers for gender identification in forensic applications like mass disasters.