Identification of Sex Using Linear Skull Measures: The Importance of Imaging in Biotechnology

Abstract

There are several methods used in the identification process of human remains. The most of them are based on comparing of antemortem and postmortem data available. Although the technique of fingerprinting is considered more accurate in many cases, it cannot be used when the bodies are mutilated, decomposed, burned, or fragmented. This article aims to compare the metric values obtained by Galvão (1994) and Saliba (2001) to differentiate male and female through dry skulls, using the measurement of the Radiocef Studio 2 Program. It was used 16 teleradiographs (11 females and 5 males). The linear measurements used in this article were: 1. The bodies stature of the mandible; and 2. Distance Nasium-Front Nasal Spine. Several radiological techniques are used to aid the human identification process for determining sex, ethnic group, and age. The analyses of X-rays and Computer Tomography (CT) scans, antemortem and postmortem, have been an important tool for human identification in forensic dentistry, especially with the refinement of techniques acquired with the advancement of radiology and CT scans. We concluded that the knowledge of the best method by forensic dentists with a careful application of the technique and report’s interpretation is essential to fulfilling the necessary characteristics for a successful identification of sex using skull measures.