Accuracy of measurements of foramen magnum and occipital condyle as an indicator for sex determination using computed tomography

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The determination of sex in forensic investigation is an important and crucial step. Unidentifiable crania are very common due to warfare, mass disasters, intentional attempt to obscure facial identity in criminal attacks, or physical injury caused by weapons, explosives, or fire. In such a situation, the determination of sex becomes extremely complicated and challenging. Aim: The present study was undertaken to provide data on foramen magnum and occipital condyle (OC) for the purpose of sex determination for establishing the identity in cases of unknown fragmentary skulls. Settings and Design: Retrospective. Subjects and Methods: The study group included computed tomography scan images of 200 patients (100 males and 100 females) in the age range of 21-80 years fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Seven variables were used to measure the dimensions of foramen magnum and OC. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics, discriminate analysis, and unpaired t-test. Results: Significant differences were observed in all the metric variables in male and female population. The dimensions of foramen magnum and OC were significantly larger in male population. Discriminant function analysis revealed an accuracy of 94% (91% in male and 97% in female population). Conclusion: The dimensions of foramen magnum and OC can be accurately used for sex determination thus opening avenues for new research in the field of anthropology and forensic sciences.

Keywords

• Computed tomography
• foramen magnum
• forensic anthropology
• sex determination