Análise tomográfica da morfologia orbitária e sua relação com a estimativa de idade: uma revisão de literatura

Abstract

The orbit stands out in Forensic Anthropology for presenting changes associated with aging and may assist in human identification through age estimation. Objective: To map and synthesize the scientific evidence on the use of morphometric measurements of the orbital cavity obtained by computed tomography as suitable parameters for age estimation. Methods: Extensive searches were performed in the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, LILACS, LIVIVO, Web of Science, and DOAJ databases, without language or publication date restrictions, using the DeCS/MeSH terms "Age Determination by Skeleton", "Multidetector Computed Tomography", and "Orbit", combined with Boolean operators. Observational and clinical studies that evaluated linear and volumetric measurements on computed tomography scans of adult individuals (≥18 years) were included, excluding those with craniofacial abnormalities, reviews, case reports, and articles without demographic data. Selection was carried out using EndNote® and Rayyan®, with data extraction into Excel® spreadsheets. Results: Eleven studies were included, totaling 2,612 orbital cavities analyzed. Orbital morphometry demonstrated measurable changes with aging, such as increased orbital volume in women and lengthening of the lateral wall. However, the results were heterogeneous and contradictory, with a strong ethnic, sex‑related, and methodological influence. The accuracy of isolated orbital volume was low. Conclusion: Orbital morphometry by computed tomography shows potential as a complementary tool for age estimation, but not as an independent method. Longitudinal, multicenter, and multi‑ethnic studies are needed, along with methodological standardization and external validation of predictive models.