Sex determination from hand dimensions and index/ring finger length ratio in North Saudi population: Medico-legal view

Abstract

Background: Sex determination using human commingled remains is one of the most important components in forensic identification. Aim: Getting a reliable and accurate method for sex determination through hand dimensions among Saudi population. Subjects and methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on 600 volunteers. Hand length, breadth and hand index, also index and ring finger ratio were estimated. Results: The average hand length, breadth and index were found to be 1.3, 0.96 and 2.93 cm greater in males than females, respectively (p 41.23 for right hand and >41.30 for left hand is suggestive of male. The index and ring finger ratio is found to be higher in females than males. Index and ring finger ratio ⩽0.920 for the right hand and ⩽0.913 for the left hand suggestive of male while Index and ring finger ratio <0.920 for the right hand and <0.913 for the left hand suggestive of female. Conclusion: By using the anthropometric measurements of hand dimensions, sex can be estimated with a high accuracy. It is, therefore, an important tool to be included in forensic identification when a hand is detected at the scene in mass disasters and criminal situations.

Keywords

• Forensic anthropology
• Forensic science
• Sex determination
• Hand indices
• Index/ring finger
• Human identification