Robustness Index of Clavicle: A Beneficial but Less Explored Parameter for Sex Determination

Abstract

context: Determination of sex in a mutilated or fragmented body eases the dilemma of a Forensic expert to a certain extent. Apart from other long bones, clavicle is one of the bones which is less explored but has drawn considerable interest in this field, particularly in relation to sexual dimorphism. aim: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the sexual dimorphism of clavicle, based on Robustness Index in dry bone sample. materials and methods: The study was conducted in the mortuary of the Department of Forensic Medicine, Gandhi Medical College, on 100 cases (50 males and 50 females) in which medico-legal postmortem examination was done. Clavicle bone of the deceased in 25 to 60 year age group were collected during autopsy, dried and then examined for the study. Measured Robustness Index is the ratio of Maximum length of clavicle and Mid clavicular circumference. Prior approval of the Institutional Ethics Committee was taken. results: Robustness Index was found to be larger in males compared to females in dry clavicle. By discriminant function analysis, sex can be estimated with an accuracy of about 81%. However, these values were found to be more accurate in males with accuracy of 82% for males and 80% for females. conclusions: Determination of sex by means of Robustness Index of clavicle can be considered a reliable indicator in dried state of the bone and the accuracy rate was high for males than females