Morphometric in vivo study of the second cervical vertebrae for the identification of sexual dimorphism using cone beam computerized tomography

Abstract

• The C2 is reliable for sex determination • The maximum sagittal body diameter was the best individual discriminator (84.3%) • With all measurements combined, the overall accuracy of sex determination was 90.6% To evaluate whether the morphometric dimensions of the second cervical vertebra (C2) can be used to identify sexual dimorphism in a Brazilian population by means of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. CBCT scans of 319 individuals (163 female; 156 male) were retrospectively selected and nine linear measurements (maximum dens height, maximum sagittal length, maximum axis width, maximum distance of the superior facets, sagittal and transverse dens diameter, width of the vertebral foramen and maximum sagittal and transverse body diameter) were performed. To compare the differences between the sexes, the Student's t test was used. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess possible correlations between groups. To estimate the differences between the sexes, a discriminant function analysis was used. All mean measurements were statistically higher in males (p<0.001). The maximum sagittal body diameter was the best individual discriminator (84.3%). When all measurements were combined, the overall accuracy rate of sex estimation was 90.6%. The morphometric analysis of C2 using CBCT exams was useful for sex estimation.