Foramen magnum as determinant of sexual dimorphism in Sri Ganganagar population: A radiographic study

Abstract

Background: In explosions, mass disasters, and warfare, human remains are got in fragmented states. Only strong bones that resist fracture can be used for personal identification in forensics. The foramen magnum (FM) dimension at the base of the skull is one such region that can be used for sex discrimination using radiographs. Aim and Objectives: To test evaluate sexual dimorphism in FM morphometric measurements and shape using digital submentovertex (SMV) radiograph among the Sri Ganganagar population. Materials and Methods: 100 digital SMV radiographs (50 males and 50 females) were randomly selected from the daily radiographic record of the patients with an age range of 25 to 65 years who visited the OPD and require SMV radiographs for diagnosis. The selected SMV radiographs were assessed for FM dimensions (longitudinal and transverse diameters, circumference, area, and FM index). Also, one particular shape was assigned to FM based on the radiographic image according to Chethan et al. classification. All the measurements were performed by two maxillofacial radiologists independently, and the data thus obtained were subjected to discriminant analysis for the evaluation of sexual dimorphism. Results: Values of four parameters out of five (transverse diameter, circumference, area, and foramen index) were found statistically significantly higher in males. The most common morphology of FM was an egg shape (50%), whereas round (3%) was the least common morphology. Circumference FM was the best indicator of gender determination followed by area, transverse diameter. and foramen index. The SMV radiographs for FM showed an overall accuracy of 69.73% in sex determination. Conclusion: The study showed that SMV radiographic FM morphometric measurements can be used for sex determination among the Sri Ganganagar population.

Keywords

• base of the skull
• foramen index
• forensics
• gender determination