Publication: Determination of Sex from the Foramen Magnum using 3DCT: A Nepalese Study
Date
2017
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Identification is of utmost importance in any medicolegal investigation with sex
determination being one of the principle indicators of identity. Sexing of bones
becomes easy when the skeletal remains are complete. However, the problem
arises when the bones are fragmented. Many researchers have undertaken several
studies in different populations to determine the sex with reasonable accuracy using
numerous measurements of the skull including those of the foramen magnum.
Objective
The present study was aimed to find the sexual dimorphism of the foramen magnum
in the Nepalese population by analyzing the antero-posterior length, transverse
diameter and area of the foramen magnum.
Method
The antero-posterior length and transverse diameter of the foramen magnum were
measured using three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT) images of the
head in a cohort of 100 Nepalese subjects. Radinsky’s and Teixeria’s formulae were
used to calculate the area of the foramen magnum. Discriminate function analysis
was used to analyze sex differences.
Result
Mean values of antero-posterior length and transverse diameter of the foramen
magnum in males were higher than in females. The mean of the area calculated using
Radinsky’s formula was smaller than that calculated by Teixeira’s formula and the
areas calculated were higher in males. The measurements of the foramen magnum
and the areas calculated showed significant difference (p<0.001) between males
and females. Discriminate function analysis for the measurements of the foramen
magnum and the areas calculated showed high predictability for both the sexes.
Discriminate function analysis showed a maximum predictability of 75%.
Conclusion
Considering the percent of predictability of sex from the various variables related
to the foramen magnum in the Nepalese population, it can be concluded that its
restricted applicability in forensic investigations should be constrained to cases of
fragmentary skull bases.
KEY WORDS
Foramen magnum, forensic anthropology, identification, sex determination, sexual
dimorphism
Description
Singh PK,1 Tamrakar D,2 Karki S,3 Menezes RG4
1Department of Forensic Medicine
2Department of Community Medicine
3Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal.
4Forensic Medicine Division,
Department of Pathology,
College of Medicine, University of Dammam,
Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Keywords
Foramen magnum, forensic anthropology, identification, sex determination, sexual dimorphism