The performance of radiomorphometric indices in sex differentiation compared to the W index
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the W-Index (WI) in differentiating between males and females, in comparison with the main radiomorphometric indices: the Mental Index (MI), Panoramic Mandibular Index (PMI), and Gonial Index (GI), in a group of healthy young adults.
Materials and Methods
Panoramic radiographic images from a group of 335 healthy young adults were retrospectively analyzed. Measurements of WI, PMI, MI, and GI were obtained. Statistical analysis included group comparisons, correlation assessments among the indices, and accuracy testing.
Results
Both the WI and PMI showed statistically significant differences between males and females (p < 0.001), whereas the MI and GI did not. The WI and PMI demonstrated satisfactory accuracy in distinguishing between sexes. When combined, WI and PMI improved classification accuracy. Higher values of WI and PMI were associated with males, while lower values were observed in females.
Conclusion
The combined use of WI and PMI represents a reliable and non-invasive approach for sex determination in clinical and forensic settings.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Publication Date
April 29, 2026
Submission Date
November 1, 2024
Acceptance Date
April 19, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Number: 1