Gender prediction with parameters obtained from pelvis computed tomography images and decision tree algorithm

Abstract

Gender prediction is among the most critical topics in forensic medicine and anthropology since it is the basis of identity (height, weight, ancestry, age). Today, osteometry which is a low-cost, easily accessible method that requires no expertise is preferred when compared to DNA technology, which has several disadvantages such as high cost, accessibility, laboratory facilities, and expert personnel requirements. The Computed Tomography (CT) method, which is little affected by orientation and provides reconstruction opportunities, was selected instead of traditional methods for osteometry. This study aims to predict high and accurate gender with the Decision Tree (DT) algorithms used in the field of health recently. In the present study, CT images of 300 individuals (150 females, 150 males) without a pathology on the pelvic skeleton and between the ages of 25 and 50 were transformed into orthogonal form, landmarks were placed on promontorium, sacroiliac joint, iliac crest, terminal line, anterior superior iliac spine, anterior inferior iliac spine, greater trochanter, obturator foramen, lesser trochanter, femoral head, femoral neck, the body of femur, ischial tuberosity, acetabulum, and pubic symphysis, and the coordinates of these landmarks were determined. Then, parameters such as angle and length were obtained with various combinations. These parameters were analyzed with the DT algorithm.The analysis conducted with the DT algorithm revealed that accuracy (Acc) was 0.93, sensitivity was 0.95, specificity was 0.90, and the Matthews correlation coefficient was 0.86 for the pelvic skeleton. It was observed that the accuracy was quite high and more realistic when determined with the DT algorithm. In conclusion, the DT algorithm with multiple parameters and samples on pelvic CT images could improve the Acc of gender prediction. [Med-Science 2021; 10(2.000): 356-61]

Keywords

• computed tomography
• decision tree
• gender prediction
• osteometry
• pelvis