Sexual dimorphism of the scapula by morphometric analysis in south Indian population

Abstract

Background: Forensic anthropology plays a key role in sexual dimorphism. It is possible to establish a profile and identification of the sex of an individual from the available parts of the skeleton. Several bones present dimorphism and have been studied to increase the approach for forensic identification. Objective: We morphometrically evaluated the human scapula and compared the measurements between scapula bone in cadavers of both sex to derive a logistical regression formula for sex determination of the south Indian population. Materials and Methods: Eighty adult scapulae were used in the study. Scapulae were measured in millimeters for 11 parameters with the help of the sliding caliper. Results: The most common shape of glenoid cavity recorded in this study in men and women was pear shape (54.92% and 51.02%) followed by inverted comma shape (31. 49% and 33.73%). The least common shape was oval (13.57% and 15.28). The mean (standard deviation [SD]) of parameters studies in men vs. women: MSH––143.3 ± 10.23 vs. 138.2 ± 11.89 mm; the MSB––105.3 ± 12.45 vs. 93.5 ± 9.23 mm; SpW––120.0 ± 0.81 vs. 104.0 ± 0.95 mm; ACW––87.0 ± 0.58 vs. 80.0 ± 0.53 mm; L2––44.7 ± 0.46 vs. 35.3 ± 0.39 mm; L4–50.5 ± 8.6 vs. 45.3 ± 9.51; L6–60.1 ± 7.71 vs. 56.8 ± 8.55 mm; SI glenoid diameter––37.63 ± 7.58 vs. 35.5 ± 4.75 mm; the anteroposterior glenoid diameter 1––24.50 ± 5.86 vs. 22.5 ± 6.93 mm and the anteroposterior glenoid diameter 2––16.30 ± 2.16 vs. 13.57 ± 5.58 mm; and mean glenoid cavity index was 65.10 ± 8.67% vs. 63.4 ± 9.23%. All parameters measured showed statistically significant values (P < 0.05) for the male scapula. Conclusion: The scapula can potentially be used in medicolegal investigations in terms of sexual dimorphism. Thus, the results of these studies can provide the baseline values increasing the range of options in the forensic investigation in sex determination.