Abstract
Purpose. The structural integrity of foramen magnum is usually preserved in fire accidents and explosions due to its resistant nature and secluded anatomical position and this study attempts to determine its sexing potential. Methods. The sagittal and transverse diameters and area of foramen magnum of seventy-two skulls (41 male and 31 female) from south Indian population were measured. The analysis was done using Student's t-test, linear correlation, histogram, Q-Q plot, and Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) to obtain a model for sex determination. The predicted probabilities of BLR were analysed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Result. BLR analysis and ROC curve revealed that the predictability of the dimensions in sexing the crania was 69.6% for sagittal diameter, 66.4% for transverse diameter, and 70.3% for area of foramen. Conclusion. The sexual dimorphism of foramen magnum dimensions is established. However, due to considerable overlapping of male and female values, it is unwise to singularly rely on the foramen measurements. However, considering the high sex predictability percentage of its dimensions in the present study and the studies preceding it, the foramen measurements can be used to supplement other sexing evidence available so as to precisely ascertain the sex of the skeleton.
Highlights
In a scenario with minimum forensic evidence, the identification of sex and ethnicity is a challenge and sex markers that are both accurate and reliable are an asset in investigation
The osteometric analysis of skull base is of substantial significance due to the resistant nature of its parts such as the mastoid, foramen magnum, and the occipital condyles in explosions, fire trauma, and aircraft accidents
Gruber et al have studied the relation of foramen to femur length and have tried to observe for the presence of a secular trend in the foramen dimensions considering the fact that brain size and skull size show a secular trend [6]
Summary
In a scenario with minimum forensic evidence, the identification of sex and ethnicity is a challenge and sex markers that are both accurate and reliable are an asset in investigation. In a study conducted by Rogers in 2005, 17 morphological features of the skull were studied to determine the sex of the individual. The osteometric analysis of skull base is of substantial significance due to the resistant nature of its parts such as the mastoid, foramen magnum, and the occipital condyles in explosions, fire trauma, and aircraft accidents. Holland in 1989 conducted a simulation study subjecting the skull base to temperatures equivalent to house fire accidents to observe for shrinkage in dimensions and noted that the accuracy of dimensions was not significantly altered and could still be used for sex determination [2]. There are studies that analyse the sex determining attributes of the foramen magnum similar to the present study by Teixeria [7], Gunay and Altinkok [8], and Raghavendra Babu et al [9]. We hope that this study augments the existing literature and provides valuable information for future studies focusing on this region and contributes to forensic analysis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
