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Relationship between lateral angle and shape of internal acoustic canal: cautionary note for diagnosis of sex

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Abstract

Lateral angle (LA) of the internal acoustic canal (IAC) at its opening at the surface of the petrous portion of the temporal bone is known in literature as a dimorphic measurement useful for sex assessment. However, its reliability is still debated. Moreover, no information is available about the possible relationship between LA and shape and size of the IAC. This study aims at assessing breadth, length and lateral angle of IAC on 100 CT scans belonging to subjects aged between 20 and 70 years, equally divided between males and females. Possible differences in the three measurements according to side and sex were assessed through two-way ANCOVA test, using three cranial measurements (distance between anterior and posterior nasal spine, upper facial height, bizygomatic breadth) as covariates (p < 0.05). Possible correlations among IAC measurements and with age were assessed through Pearson’s test (p < 0.05). Results showed a significantly greater IAC breadth on the left side than on the right side; moreover, LA was significantly wider in females than in males and was positively correlated with IAC breadth in both males and females. In addition, LA was negatively correlated with age only in the female group. The study first showed that LA is strictly related to IAC morphology; moreover, it is significantly affected by masculinization of skeletal traits in females. Therefore, caution is suggested in using this measurement for sex assessment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, MI, Italy

    Daniele Gibelli & Chiarella Sforza

  2. Reparto di Radiologia, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, MI, Italy

    Michaela Cellina & Giancarlo Oliva

  3. Reparto di Otorinolaringoiatria, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, MI, Italy

    Stefano Gibelli & Giovanni Termine

  4. LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, MI, Italy

    Cristina Cattaneo

Authors
  1. Daniele Gibelli
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  2. Michaela Cellina
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  3. Stefano Gibelli
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  4. Giovanni Termine
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  5. Giancarlo Oliva
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  6. Chiarella Sforza
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  7. Cristina Cattaneo
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Daniele Gibelli.

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The study follows the international laws and guidelines (Helsinki Declaration) and was approved by the local ethical committee (7331/2019).

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Gibelli, D., Cellina, M., Gibelli, S. et al. Relationship between lateral angle and shape of internal acoustic canal: cautionary note for diagnosis of sex. Int J Legal Med 135, 687–692 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-020-02400-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-020-02400-2

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