Radiomorphometric indices for sex estimation in edentulous individuals: A receiver operating characteristic curve and discriminant function analysis-based study

This study aimed to evaluate sexual dimorphism in Brazilian edentulous individuals using a formula based on mandible-related linear radiomorphometric measurements. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 390 panoramic radiographs (PRs) distributed into three age groups (51–60, 61–70, and 71–80 years). PRs were used to obtain linear measurements of the mandible and derived indices (superior and inferior panoramic mandibular indices [s-PMI and i-PMI, respectively], alveolar bone resorption [ABR] index), and the mandibular cortical index (MCI). Sex-related differences (and sex classifications) increased in the oldest cohort. Both s-PMI and i-PMI were shown to be significant in predicting sex in the age group from 71 to 80 years (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively) and, when considering the mean of the sides, only the s-PMI was significant (p = 0.037). The ABR index was significantly associated with sex (p = 0.004) and not influenced by MCI, and was used to construct a formula for sex estimation, which demonstrated 69.0% accuracy in the age group of 71–80 years. Sexual dimorphism was evidenced by the formula based on the s-PMI, i-PMI, and ABR indices.