Are computed tomography images of the mandible useful in age and sex determination? A forensic science meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This meta-analysis addresses the use of mandibular computed tomography (CT) scans for age and/or sex determination in forensic science. METHODS: Six databases were searched until June 2023, using the keyword "mandible" combined with keywords related to "multislice computed tomography" (MCT) or "cone-beam computed tomography" (CBCT) and keywords related to "skeletal age determination" or "sex determination analysis." MAIN RESULTS: Among the 23 studies included, 11 used MCT and 12 used CBCT to perform forensic assessments. Age determination was the aim of a single study, sex and agedeterminations were the objective of five studies, and the other studies investigated the determination of sex only. Metaanalysis could be performed only for sex determination. CONCLUSIONS: Mandible measurements are useful in sex determination, as the bicondylar and bigonial breadth are larger in males than in females. For the mandible angle, the meta-analysis results confirm sex dimorphism in CBCT scans but not in MCT scans. For age estimation, further studies are needed to prove that the mandible hole is a reliable parameter for age estimation. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021260967.

Communication between the temporomandibular joint articular space and the extradural space in patients with temporal bone pneumatization: implications for temporomandibular joint surgery.

The pneumatization of the articular portion of the temporal bone is an anatomical variant that can modify the barrier between the articular space and the middle cranial fossa. Thus, this study aimed to identify the presence and degree of pneumatization, as well as the existence of pneumatic cell dehiscence towards the extradural or articular space determining whether it could lead to direct communication between the articular and extradural spaces. Hence, One-hundred skull computed tomography images were selected. The presence and extension of pneumatization were classified according to scores 0, 1, 2, and 3. Dehiscence towards extradural and articular spaces was recorded. In total, 200 TMJ from 100 patients were assessed and 40.5% of pneumatization cases were observed. The most prevalent score was 0 (restricted to the mastoid process), while the least prevalent score was 3 (extending beyond the crest of articular eminence). Dehiscence of the pneumatic cells towards the extradural space is more common than towards the articular space. One complete communication between the extradural and articular spaces was observed. Considering the results, it was concluded that to avoid neurological and ontological complications, awareness of the potential anatomical communications between articular and extradural spaces, particularly in patients with extensive pneumatisation, is necessary.

Stafne bone defects radiographic features in panoramic radiographs: Assessment of 91 cases.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate 91 cases of Stafne bone defect (SBD) in panoramic radiographs (PR) to determine the prevalence of different SBD variants, considering age, gender, and side. Additionally, to assess the most frequent imaging features of SBD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participant data were collected from 91 SBD cases with PR imaging. First, SBDs were classified according to their location, as anterior, posterior, or ramus variant. SBD imaging features were classified according to radiographic imaging findings, assessing margins, degree of internal radiolucency, shape, topographic relationship between the defect and mandibular border, location of the defect according to mandibular teeth, and locularity. The topographic relationship between the SBD and the mandibular canal was described for the inferior variant only. Mean sizes were also described. RESULTS: A total of 92 SBD cases were evaluated from 91 radiographs. One case presented multiple defects. Mean patient age was 60.80 years. Men were more affected than women. The most frequent SBD variant was the posterior variant, and the least frequent was the ramus variant. The most observed radiographic features were thick sclerotic bone margin in the entire contour of the defect, partially radiolucent internal content, oval shape, continuity with mandible base without discontinuity of mandible border, third molar region location, and unilocular shape. With the posterior variant only, the most common topographic relationship between the defect and the upper wall of the mandibular canal was the defect located below the upper wall and continuous with the inferior wall of the mandibular canal. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of common SBD radiographic imaging features in PR can help dental practitioners with the differential diagnosis of SBD.