Sex determination using anthropometric dimensions of the clavicle in Iranian population

Abstract

ObjectiveSometimes only skeletal remains are available for forensic identification. Therefore, sex determination using human skeletal remains is one of the most important components in forensic identification. Different levels of accuracy for sex determination using clavicle have been reported in various studies, and on the other hand, anthropometric dimensions of different bones are unique in each race and geographical region. This study was carried out to assess the accuracy of this bone for sex determination in Iranian population. Based on the results of this research, by using the anthropometric dimensions of the clavicle bone, gender can be estimated with a high accuracy. Materials and methodsThis research was carried out on 120 Iranian cadavers. Maximum of length and midshaft circumference of clavicle was measured. SPSS (Version 13.5) was used for statistical analysis. ResultsThe mean of maximum of the length and the midshaft circumference of clavicle was larger in men (P < 0.001). Using claviclular anthropometric parameters, we could determine sex with 73.3%–88.3% accuracy. ConclusionThe results of this research indicate that sex can be determined using clavicle dimensions with relatively high accuracy, when only the clavicle bone is available due to explosion, plane crashes, mutilated bodies, etc.