RESUMEN
Background Sex estimation of unidentified incomplete skeletons poses a challenge to paleoanthropologists and forensic experts. The sacrum is a part of the axial skeleton and contributes to the formation of the pelvic girdle. It is a significant bone for the identification of the sex in the human skeletal system due to associated functional differences of the pelvic bones in males and females. However, there is a lack of cognizance of different morphometric parameters of the sacrum which may be crucial for determining sex, particularly when a part of the bone is available. This study aimed to recognize the best morphometric parameters for the identification of the sex of the sacrum even when fragmented bones were available and compare the various parameters for sexual dimorphism in different populations. Methodology The study was conducted on 110 dry adult human sacra in the anatomy department. Out of these, 42 sacra were female and 68 were male. Morphometric measurements were performed with the help of a digital vernier caliper. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Morphometric measurements of male and female sacra were compared using Student's t-test. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to establish the most appropriate cut-off values for each parameter. Results The mean sacral length measured from the promontory to the apex of the sacrum was higher in males compared to females (p < 0.001), whereas the sacral index was higher in female sacra in comparison to male sacra (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean height of the first posterior sacral foramina (PSF) was higher in male sacra bilaterally (p < 0.05). On ROC analysis, the area under the curve was 0.994 for the sacral index and 0.862 for the sacral length. Conclusions In this study, the sacral index was noted to be the most important morphometric parameter for the identification of the sex of the sacra. Additionally, the height of the S2 body, the height of the first anterior sacral foramina, and the height of the first PSF can be contemplated with an accuracy of 60-70% if only a part of the sacrum is available for determining the sex. Hence, this study emphasizes the significance of morphometric parameters of the sacrum in the determination of sex, especially in forensic cases when the skull and pelvis are fragmented or unavailable.
RESUMEN
Background: Human skull consists of various bones. One of them is mandible which is quite resistant, tough and shows systemic differences in form between individuals of different sex. It resists putrefaction also. There are characteristic features in the mandible that help us to differentiate sex in case of unknown victims like in mass disasters or in case fragmentary remains of the skeleton are found. Analysis of mandible with regard to its features is of great assistance in the determination of sex. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 dry mandible bones were collected. Morphological and morphometric parameters were studied to determine their sex. A total of nine parameters, i.e., three non-metric and six metric parameters were observed for each mandible. Data was collected for each parameter. Results: Among 80 dry mandible bones, 55 were males and 25 were females. 81.2% males bones had a square chin whereas, 80% females had a rounded chin. Gonial flare was everted in 89% males and inverted in 68% females. Conclusion: Mandible exhibits significant sexual differences. Various morphological and morphometric parameters are essential for sex determination in case of mandible bone.