Original Article

Stature and gender determination and their

correlation using odontometry and skull
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anthropometry
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Amit Gupta, Kiran Kumar,

Devi Charan Shetty, Vijay
Wadhwan, Anshi Jain,
Kaveri Surya Khanna Abstract
Department of Oral and
Maxillofacial Pathology and Background: When the body has been mutilated, it is common to have the extremities
Microbiology, I.T.S. Center for or head amputated from the trunk. In concern with forensic odontology, an estimate
Dental Studies and Research, must have been made based on the correlation of osteometry along with odontometry in
Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, determining sex, race and stature. Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate
Uttar Pradesh, India
and correlate height and gender from odontometry and anthropometric data of the skull.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Oral and
Maxillofacial Pathology and Microbiology, I.T.S Center for Dental studies and Research,
Muradnagar, Ghaziabad (UP) with the representative study subjects of 60 patients as
30 males and 30 females in the age group of 15‑25 years. The selected parameters were
measured and then correlated to investigate stature and gender from odontometry and
Address for correspondence:
anthropometric data of the skull. Results: On linear regression analysis, the selected
Dr. Amit Gupta, parameters were found to be statistically significant predictor of height. It was also
Department of Oral and established by Karl Pearson’s coefficient correlation that the left mandibular canine index
Maxillofacial Pathology for female was statistically significant to show sexual dimorphism. Conclusion: In the
and Microbiology, I.T.S.
Center for Dental Studies
emerging field of forensic odontology, skull anthropometry, odontometry exhibits stature
and Research, Muradnagar, determination and strong sexual dimorphism.
Ghaziabad ‑ 201 206,
Uttar Pradesh, India.
E‑mail: [email protected]
Key words: Anthropometry, forensic odontology, odontometry, stature

Introduction dentistry is important for human identification, especially

when conventional methods cannot be applied, usually due

A s stated by Fédération Dentaire Internationale, to advanced decomposition, carbonization or fragmentation

“Forensic Odontology” is the branch of dentistry of the body. In accidents or natural disasters involving severe
trauma and fire, the use of fingerprints, facial recognition
which, in the interest of justice, deals with proper handling
methods can be difficult or even impossible. In such cases,
and examination of dental evidence and with the proper a post‑mortem record is created by a forensic dentist to
evaluation and presentation of dental findings.”[1] ‘Forensic identify the victim by determining the age, stature, ancestry,
sex and socio‑economic class, where the body has been
Access this article online mutilated and the extremities or head amputated from the
Quick Response Code trunk.[2]
Website:
www.jfds.org
One of the main goals of forensic anthropology[3] is to
determine the identity of a person from the study of some
DOI: skeletal remains. In the last few decades, anthropologists
10.4103/0975-1475.132536 have focused their attention on improving those techniques
that allow a more accurate identification. Before making a

Journal of Forensic Dental Sciences / May-August 2014 / Vol 6 / Issue 2 101

 Gupta, et al.: Stature and gender determination and their correlation using odontometry and skull anthropometry

decision on the identification, it is necessary to follow different Inclusion and exclusion criteria
processes that let them assign a sex, age, human group and • Complete set of fully erupted, periodontally healthy
height to the subject from the study of bones found. teeth
• Presence of non‑carious, non‑worn teeth with no dental
Different methodologies have been proposed, according to history of any crown restorations
the features of the different human groups of each region.[4,5] • Complete set of intact and satisfactorily aligned
In the identification of unknown human remains, stature maxillary anterior teeth
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and gender estimation is a preliminary investigation.[2,6] • No history or clinical evidence of cleft palate,
Stature is the height of a person in the upright posture.[7] orthognathic surgery or trauma
• No history or clinical features suggestive of endocrinal
The method of using teeth and skull measurements has disorders, metabolic disorders, developmental
nYQp/IlQrHD3i3D0OdRyi7TvSFl4Cf3VC4/OAVpDDa8K2+Ya6H515kE= on 07/23/2024

several advantages as the anatomical landmarks are disorders and history of prolonged illness.
standard, well developed and easy to locate. An estimate
must then be made based on the known relationship of the Stature correlation to skull and jaw dimensions was done for
remains to stature and gender. the possibility of estimating height in forensic investigations.
After obtaining informed consent from the subject selected,
Teeth form an excellent material for anthropological, measurements of the maxillary extent of the skull was
genetic, odontologic and forensic investigations. Amongst obtained using Rakosi Jarabak analysis[8] on the lateral
all the teeth, the mandibular canines are found to exhibit cephalograph of 8’ by 10’ radiographic films. The maxillary
greatest sexual dimorphism. extent of the skull was derived as the linear distance between
the anterior nasal spine to the posterior nasal spine as
With this background in concern with the forensic shown in Figure 1. Measurements of MD widths of the six
odontology, paleontology and esthetic dentistry, we maxillary anterior teeth on the cast were done. The greatest
undertook this study with the aim to investigate and MD crown widths of the maxillary anterior permanent six
correlate height and gender from anthropometric and teeth were measured between the anatomic contact points
odontometric data of the skull. A relationship of height of a of each tooth on either side of the jaw, using digital vernier
person with the maxillary extent and circumference of skull calliper as shown in Figure 2. Circumference of the skull
and identifying gender with the combined mesiodistal (MD) and height was measured directly on each patient. Maximal
width of maxillary anterior teeth with the statistical aid of fronto‑occipital circumference was measured by placing a
regression analysis of these variables was done. nonstretchable plastic tape (calibrated in millimeters) just
on the occipital prominence and the supraorbital ridges,
Materials and Methods while viewing the subject laterally also to ensure proper
placement of the tape. In cases of some hairstyles in males,
The study was conducted in the Department of Oral and we drew the tape tightly and compressed the hair as much
Maxillofacial Pathology and Microbiology, I.T.S Center for as possible. In cases of females, we asked the subjects to
Dental studies and Research, Muradnagar, Ghaziabad (UP) lift their hair in the occipital area and the tape was placed
with the representative study subjects of 60 patients as against the skin and not over the lumps of hair. This method
30 males and 30 females in the age group of 15‑25 years. was in accordance with the one used by Evereklioglu et al.[9]

Figure 1: Maxillary extent using Rakosi Jarabak analysis on lateral Figure 2: Mesiodistal crown widths of the maxillary anterior permanent
cephalographs six teeth using vernier calliper

102 Journal of Forensic Dental Sciences / May-August 2014 / Vol 6 / Issue 2

 Gupta, et al.: Stature and gender determination and their correlation using odontometry and skull anthropometry

Height was measured as the vertical distance from the Results

vertex to the floor. Measurement was taken by making the
subject stand erect on a horizontal plane barefooted. The The descriptive statistics for the measurements of the four
subject was placed in straight vertical position with head parameters was recorded in the study subjects.[1] Table 1
oriented in Frankfürt plane. shows that the sample of 60 subjects presented with a
mean height of 1616.17 mm with a standard deviation of
In order to define sexual dimorphism and the morphometric 64.87. The mean circumference of the skull is 534.55 mm
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criteria for mandibular canines, the intercanine distance, with a standard deviation of 18.52. The MD width of upper
right and left mandibular canine width were observed on anterior is 50.13 mm with a standard deviation of 6.694. The
study casts as shown in Figures 3 and 4 of same 60 study distance from anterior nasal spine to posterior nasal spine
subjects (M:F::30:30) selected above. is with a mean value of 54.92 mm and standard deviation
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of 6.95. The inferential statistics of the parameters were

Further the mandibular canine index was calculated as: recorded [Table 2]. The ANOVA of linear regression analysis
of height and its predictors (i.e., three parameters) was
Mesiodistal crown width of found to be statistically significant with the P value of 0.001.
mandibullar canine
Mandibular canine index = On linear regression analysis, the regression equations
Mandibular canine arch width
were derived [Table 3]. Maxillary extent was found to be
or intercanine disttance statistically significant predictor of height with P = 0.027
and the circumference of the skull as a highly significant
The mandibular canine index was calculated and the predictor with P = 0.004.
readings obtained were subjected to statistical analysis to
derive conclusions and sexual dimorphism in right and left The inferential comparative statistics of canine index using
mandibular canines. Karl Pearson’s coefficient correlation [Table 4] shows the
mean value, which evidenced that the left canine index was
Comparisons were made between the measurements higher in female than male having less standard deviation
recorded with respect to the gender using statistical mean, of 0.022. Graph 1 depicts left canine to show statistically
standard deviation, range and Student’s t‑test. Combined significant sexual dimorphism. Karl Pearson’s coefficient
data, male and female data were analyzed separately for correlation established that the left canine index for female
linear regression of height to the parameters recorded. was statistically significant by t‑test with P = 0.025.

Figure 3: Intercanine distance using vernier calliper Figure 4: Right and left mandibular canine width using vernier caliper

Table 1: Descriptive statistics

N static Minimum Maximum Mean Std. deviation
static static Static Std. error static
Ht mm 60 1480 1800 1616.17 8.375 64.876
Circumference of skull mm 60 500 578 534.55 2.391 18.522
MD (3‑3) mm 60 41 77 50.13 0.864 6.694
ANS‑PNS mm 60 44 78 54.92 0.898 6.956
MD: Mesiodistal crown widths of the maxillary anterior permanent six teeth, ANS: Anterior nasal spine, PNS: Posterior nasal spine

Journal of Forensic Dental Sciences / May-August 2014 / Vol 6 / Issue 2 103

 Gupta, et al.: Stature and gender determination and their correlation using odontometry and skull anthropometry

Table 2: The inferential statistics of the parameters recorded Mass fatality incidences represent a big challenge in the
using ANOVA linear regression analysis identification of deceased victims. In such circumstances
Sample Mean+Std. ANOVA linear it necessitates putting a hierarchy system of forensic
size deviation regression science. [10] Various methods are used to establish the
F Sig. identity of unknown human remains.[11] The reliability
‘P’ value
of each method varies. Estimation of stature, as part of
Height mm 60 1616.17+64.876 6.776 0.001a
the identification process has a long history in physical
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Circumference 60 534.55+18.522
anthropology. A drawback to physical anthropology
of skull mm
techniques is limited applicability to fragmentary
MD (3‑3) mm 60 50.13+6.694
remains. [12] When the body has been mutilated, it is
Maxillary extent 60 54.92+6.956
common to have the extremities or head amputated from
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MD: Mesiodistal crown widths of the maxillary anterior permanent six teeth
the trunk. An estimate must then be made based on the
known relationship of the remains to stature.[3]
Table 3: On linear regression analysis the regression equations
were derived as the constants listed in the table
In the present study, estimation and correlation of height
Model Dependent variable:
Height (mm) and gender from odontometry and anthropometric data of
t Sig. ‘P’ the skull was done. In cases, where identification has to be
value performed based on skeletal remains, the most common
ANS‑PNS (maxillary extent) 2.265 0.027 stature estimates are derived from long bones.[13] The
MD (mesiodistal dimension of anterior) −0.810 0.421 literature, however, is lacking in the derivation of height
Circumference of skull 3.021 0.004 from anthropometry of the skull along with odontometric
MD: Mesiodistal crown widths of the maxillary anterior permanent six teeth, parameter. Osteometry seems to be the preferred technique
ANS: Anterior nasal spine, PNS: Posterior nasal spine in the identification process with several advantages as the
anatomical landmarks are standard, well defined and easy
Table 4: Group statistics to locate.
Sex Sample Mean+std. t Sig.
size deviation ‘P’value The estimation of living stature from long bones is based
Rt canine index mm upon the principle that the long bones correlate positively
Female 30 0.22494+.021741 1.410 0.164 with the stature. Since this is true, parts of each bone should
Male 30 0.21669+.023568 also be related to stature even though they may not correlate
Lft canine index mm as highly.[13] The above principle was found to hold good
Female 30 0.23410+.022076 2.302 0.025 in the present study. We found highest correlation when
Male 30 0.22041+.023965 individual measurements of combined data were plotted
against height. Furthermore, adding the odontometric and
craniometric parameters elevated the correlation with the
/)7&$1,1(,1'(;00
57&$1,1(,1'(;00 stature estimation.

The study of the tooth is a non‑destructive and simple process
 which can be applied to both living and deceased persons,
in contrast to other time consuming, expensive, less reliable
 and destructive methods, which may not be acceptable for
ethical, religious, cultural or scientific reasons.[14] Further,
procedures such as digitization of lateral cephalograph

analysis avoid the bias inherent in observer subjectivity and
improve reliability, accuracy and precision.[15]


Any tooth can be used to assess age. Canine teeth are a

 good candidate for sex determination because they are often
 
present in old age. They are less likely than other anterior
Graph 1: Depicting left canine to show statistically significant sexual teeth to suffer wear as a result of age or any particular
dimorphism work.[16]

Discussion Based on the above background, this study was conducted

to develop a method for stature and gender determination
Routine identification tasks are a simple one‑to‑one and their correlation using odontometry and skull
matching process. This is not the case in disasters. anthropometry based on the relationship between various
104 Journal of Forensic Dental Sciences / May-August 2014 / Vol 6 / Issue 2
 Gupta, et al.: Stature and gender determination and their correlation using odontometry and skull anthropometry

morphological variables of teeth and skull measurements distance in contrast to the present study and found that
using advanced and more reliable procedures. intercanine distance was greater in males for both the jaws.
They also lacked in even distribution of patients in each
Introna et al. in 1993 discussed correlations between cranial age group.
diameter and height in the same age group as in the present
study, but other parameters were not undertaken.[17] In the present study for gender determination, the left
mandibular canine index was found to exhibit greater sexual
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Chiba and Terazawa in 1998 conducted head and skull dimorphism with a highly statistically significant P value
measurements for height estimation but did not include of 0.025, however, the right mandibular canine index was
gender determination, which is a preliminary unit of an found to be statistically insignificant.
investigation procedure.[18] Kalia et al. in 2010 estimated
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the height of a person from teeth and skull but again Conclusion
lacked the critical gender determination in individual
recognition.[19] In the emerging field of forensic odontology, skull
anthropometry including maxillary extent, mesiodistal
The present study provides a statistically valid technique to dimension of anteriors and circumference of skull are
achieve accurate clues of stature as well as conspicuous need beneficial for stature estimation. In concern with gender
of gender determination from an individual’s fragmentary determination, which is a preliminary investigation in
remains. In the present study, it was observed that genetic, legal and forensic odontology, paleontology,
circumference of skull and maxillary extent was statistically left mandibular canine index exhibits a strong sexual
significant in correlation to height. While in contrast to past dimorphism.
studies, mesiodistal dimension of anteriors was found to be
statistically insignificant. Further research is warranted with larger samples in the
direction of definite improvement in the accuracy of stature
In contrast to rare past studies, the present study takes estimation from odontometry. We recommend studies
into account “maxillary extent”, which is never taken into on cadavers and skulls without soft tissue covering as
account as one of the parameter in stature determination well as assessment of the effect of aging on the regression
using Rakosi Jarabak analysis. Rakosi Jarabak analysis is coefficients in stature estimation.
considered to be a crucial and precise analysis of skull
dimensions in lateral cephalometry. On analysis, the three References
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skull. Forensic Sci Int 1998;97:87‑92. V, Jain A, Khanna KS. Stature and gender determination and their
correlation using odontometry and skull anthropometry. J Forensic
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using odontometry and skull anthropometry. Indian J Dent Res
2008;19:150‑4. Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared

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