A Study of Sexual Dimorphism in Femora of Rural Population of South Tamilnadu, India

Abstract

Aim: Assessment of human sex from skeletal parts is of particular importance in forensic osteology and relies heavily on up-to-date techniques to provide accurate information to medico- legal system. Hence this study was taken to assess the sex from an isolated bone ie femur, with as far as possible minimal parameters to ascertain the sex. Materials And Methods: This descriptive study was done in the department of anatomy CMCH&RC, Trichy and SRU, Chennai with 200 dry femur of both sexes of which 100- males( 50 right side and 50 left side) and 100 – females ( 50 right side & 50 left side). Meticulous care was taken to include bones from a homogenous population and all the bones were well documented for sex, race and all belonged to the residents of rural population of south Tamilnadu. All the bones were cleaned from soft tissue and cartilage and were thoroughly dried. Bones exhibiting obscuring pathologies were excluded from study and all the bones studied had completed femoral growth as evidenced by the complete fusion of the proximal & distal femoral epiphysis. Six Anthropometric measurements were taken on each femur: Maximum Length, Maximum Diameter Of The Head Of Femur, Mid-Shaft Circumference, Maximum Antero- Posterior Diameter Of Femoral Shaft, Antero-Posterior Of Both (Medial& Lateral) Epicondyles, Bicondylar Width. Results: All the parameters were more in the male femora than in the female femora except the medial epicondyle. Conclusion: Average width of medial epicondyle in females is more. Average width of lateral epicondyle in males is more but statistically not significant. This study will be useful in the field of Forensic Osteology and Anthropometry for the identification of skeletal remains.

Keywords

• femur
• anthropometry
• forensic osteology.