Accuracy Of Sex Determination Research Articles

Accuracy of Deciduous and Permanent Molar Teeth in Gender determination of Egyptian Children: Dental and Forensic Implications

Forensic odontology is an investigative aspect of dentistry that apply dental knowledge for legal issues including identification of unknown human bodies or remains. Sexual dimorphism of permanent teeth measurements has been extensively studied but, no studies involved pediatric age group with mixed deciduous and permanent dentition. The aim of this study was to determine accuracy of maxillary and mandibular deciduous and permanent molar teeth in sex determination in a sample of Egyptian children. Additionally, to estimate crown size of mandibular permanent first molar from mandibular deciduous second molar. A sample of 210 male and female children aged 6-12-years, in mixed dentition stage. Mesio-distal (MD) crown diameters of maxillary and mandibular permanent first molars and deciduous second molars were measured by a digital caliper. The mean MD crown diameter of both Rt maxillary and mandibular permanent first molars was significantly higher in males than females (10.29±.31 vs10.00±.60 and 11.01±.51 vs10.71±.60 respectively, p < 0.001). Furthermore, Rt and Lt mandibular deciduous second molars exhibited significantly larger mean MD diameter in males (9.94±.44 and 9.98±.42) than females (9.71±.46 and9.74±.46). Further, Simple linear regression revealed new equations for prediction of crown size of mandibular Rt permanent first molar from mandibular Rt deciduous second molar. Odontometric study of deciduous and permanent molar teeth showed poor accuracy in sex determination. They can be used in conjunction with other traits to establish gender accurately. Furthermore, this work presented new equations that will be helpful in estimating crown size of mandibular permanent first molar from mandibular deciduous second molar.

Mandibular Ramus Sexual Dimorphism Using Panoramic Radiography

Background: Identification of human remains is the first essential phase of forensic investigation and is significant for subsequent analyses. Mandible is the most dimorphic, largest, and hardest bone of skull and plays a decisive role in sex determination, especially when the complete skull is not available. This study aimed to examine the accuracy of mandibular ramus assessment in sex discrimination using panoramic radiography. Methods: A total of 135 panoramic radiographs (68 males and 67 females; aged 0-75 years) were retrieved from the database of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Iran and divided into five groups :4-14, 16-30, 31-45, 45-60, and 61- 75 years. The following four parameters were measured on the radiographs utilizing the mouse-driven method to determine sex: coronoid height (CRH), ramus height (RH), mandibular body height (MBH), and bicondylar breadth (BB). The radiographs were processed using the SCANORA® software. Data were analyzed using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) graphs, t test, and the IBM SPSS software version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA). Results: The percentage of certainty of each variable regarding the determination of sex from an unknown human mandible bone was as follows: RH=84.6%, CRH=82.4%, BB=73.5%, and MBH=83.8%, indicating that RH alone could categorize the sex in 84.6% of the cases (highest accuracy), CRH in 82.4%, BB in 73.5% (lowest accuracy), and MBH in 83.8%. The average accuracy in sex determination was 89% using all four variables. Conclusions: All the variables studied in the present study revealed a reliable extent of certainty for sex discrimination of unidentified skeletal remains. The overall accuracy of all variables altogether was 89%.

Bioanthropological analysis of human occipital condyles using geometric morphometric method.

Sex differences are present in all parts of the body, including the skeletal system. Several methods are used to analyze the sex differences of skeleton, while more recently, a new method called geometric morphometry has been used. The aim of this study was to examine the sexual dimorphism of occipital condyles on human skulls originating from the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina using the geometric morphometric method.Material and methodsThe study was conducted on 214 human skulls of known gender from Bosnian population. For analysis of sexual dimorphism of occipital condyles, we used geometric morphometry, where all the skulls were scanned to obtain three-dimensional skull models. On the obtained models, we marked anthropometric points on occipital condyles in a Landmark Editor program from which we exported data in the form NTSYS file and analyzed it in MorphoJ program.ResultsFirst principal component PC1 describes 26.917% of total variability, the second principal component PC2 describes 20.992% of total variability, while the first eight principal components together describe 100% of total variability. The greatest variability between the male skulls and female skulls was present in the anterior-posterior diameter (length of occipital condyles). Discriminant functional analysis of the shape and size of the occipital condyles was possible with 69.50% accuracy for male skulls and with 60.27% accuracy for female skulls. The size of the occipital condyles showed a statistically significant effect on sexual determination. Discriminant functional analysis of the shape of the occipital condyles without affecting size enabled the determination of gender with with 65.96% accuracy for male skulls and with 63.01% accuracy for female skulls.ConclusionAnalysis of sexual dimorphism of occipital condyles using geometric morphometry showed statistically significant differences in the shape and size of occipital condyles between the sexes. The accuracy of sex determination based on occipital condyles was higher for male gender.

Determination of Sex by Osteometry of Third Metatarsal

In forensic anthropology and bio archaeology, sex determination is considered to be a primary step, asaccurate identification of one sex eliminates half of the population of other sex. Though pelvis, craniumand long bones are considered more accurate indicators for sex determination, they are often not availableor fragmented. The aim of this study is to specify the relation between prediction of sex of an individualand osteometry (length and mid shaft diameter) of third metatarsal and to assess the reliability of thesemorphometric traits in predicting the sex of the individual. Sample used in the study were 100 cases (50males and 50 females) presenting for post mortem examination in the mortuary of Lok Nayak Hospital andMaulana Azad Medical College. The present study found sex determination accuracy of third metatarsal tobe 67% to 72%, which rose to 75 % on combination of variables from both sides. The results suggest thatmetatarsal bones can be used for sex determination when remains are fragmented or incomplete.

Reliability of morphological criteria for sexing birds during ringing, assessed using molecular methods – a study of thirteen species of passerines and near passerines

ABSTRACT Understanding the ecology and conservation of bird species often requires accurate sex determination of individuals. Species with sexually dimorphic plumage can usually be sexed in the hand based on consistent and definitive differences in plumage between sexes, but there are often challenges related to (1) how sexual dimorphism develops with age, (2) individuals that show intermediate visible morphological traits, or (3) consistent but subtle trait differences that require considerable experience to use reliably. Species with sexually monomorphic plumage, which constitute over half of all avian species globally, pose a greater challenge and can often not be sexed in the hand. The aim of this study was to use molecular methods to identify definitively the sex of individuals of both monomorphic and dimorphic species caught at a ringing site in south-west Portugal, in order to evaluate the standard morphological sexing techniques for species showing sexual dimorphism in plumage, or in biometric measurements. Blood samples were collected from a range of species during ringing, and DNA was extracted. Molecular methods were successful in identifying the sex of 202 individuals across 13 species of birds (eight species with sexually dimorphic plumage, and five sexually monomorphic in plumage). Molecular methods were consistent with the morphological sexing in the field for six of the eight species with dimorphic plumage, but discrepancies between the two methods were identified for Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca and Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops. Finally, biometric measurements taken in the field were used to assess whether species with monomorphic plumage could have been correctly sexed based on the biometric differences between males and females reported in literature.

Gender determination in equine fetuses in early pregnancy using two- and three-dimensional ultrasound

The aim of this study was to compare transrectal two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound examination with regards to required time and accuracy of fetal sex determination in early pregnant mares. For this purpose 47 mares were examined transrectally once between days 58 and 115 of gestation. Initially, the fetal sex was determined by identifying the location of the genital tubercle (GT) or external genitalia using 2D-ultrasound. Subsequently, the ultrasound machine was switched to 3D-mode to obtain images for later computer-based evaluation. The gestational period between days 58 and 79 of pregnancy was the most appropriate time for sex determination with 77 % (2D and first 3D evaluation) correct diagnoses. The accuracy of the sex determination could be increased by about 16 % by a second evaluation of the 3D-images in a minimum time interval of 2 weeks. For each mare the additional time needed to perform the 3D-examination and to assess the 3D-images was approximately 6-7 minutes. This study demonstrates that the accuracy of transrectal fetal gender determination is higher by using 3D-mode compared to the 2D-ultrasound. For experienced examiners however, 3D ultrasound technology does not offer any decisive advantages and is also more time-consuming.

Photography can determine the sex of a predator with limited sexual dimorphism: A case study of the powerful owl

The ability to distinguish (in the field) the sex of wildlife that show limited sexual dimorphism is, at best, challenging but is nonetheless essential to ensure appropriate conservation strategies are implemented. We developed a technique using highly varied images, similar to those taken by amateur photographers, to accurately sex individual powerful owls (Ninox strenua) through the measurement of facial features. Powerful owls show extremely limited sexual dimorphism and have been almost impossible to sex without genetic analysis, however, we report a process that results in the unambiguous assignment of sex. Image selection was extremely important; images where the owl’s head and body faced towards the camera, in an alert posture, were selected. We derived five facial features (inter-nostril distance, inter-eye distance, head width, forehead height and facemask), all measured in pixels to account for variation in the resolution and the size of images. Ratios were then produced from these facial features enabling standardised metrics, which we tested with regard to the assignment of sex. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the ratio of head width to the inter-nostril distance was the key sexually diagnostic relationship, giving 100% accuracy in sex determination (assessed against known-sex birds). We also identified a sex-specific plumage character; where facemask feathers protrude beyond the profile of the contour feathers of the head, the bird was a female, whereas when these feathers did not protrude beyond the profile, the bird was a male. For powerful owls, simple image analysis reliably determines the sex of individuals and has potential as an extremely cost efficient approach, that can provide essential information on species dynamics such as sex ratios, social organization and behaviour. The use of photographic images is especially beneficial for species that are cryptic or are extremely difficult to capture. The quantification and analysis of images captured by amateurs enables a greater contribution of citizen scientists to conservation research.

Reliability of internal metacarpal measurements for sex determination using multi-detector computed tomographic imaging in a sample of Egyptian population

ABSTRACT Accurate sex determination depends on the completeness of human remains but sometimes, they are damaged so we must analyse the more resistant bones as metacarpals. The purpose of this study is to investigate medullary and cortical parameters of first and second metacarpals using multi-detector computed tomography and determine their capability for sex determination in Egyptian population. Nine measurements were taken from right first and second metacarpals of 200 patients (100 males and 100 females) with age ranged from 25 to 65 years. Data were analysed by SPSS version 24. Measurements showed significant sexual differences (P < 0.05). By simple discriminant analysis, medullary length of first metacarpal and proximal medullary width of second metacarpal showed the highest percentage of accuracy (77%, 64%, respectively) in sex determination. The percentage of accuracy was 81% for first metacarpal and 65% for second metacarpal in multiple discriminant functional analysis for sex prediction. By using multiple stepwise discriminant functional analysis, the most predictable internal variables of first metacarpal showed accuracy of 79% while that of second metacarpal showed accuracy of 62%. This study supplies new forensic standards for determination of sex from the medullary and cortical measurements of the Egyptian metacarpals using various discriminant equations.

The accuracy of sex determination by metacarpal parameters using multi-detector computed tomography scanning in Egyptian population

The accuracy of sex determination by metacarpal parameters using multi-detector computed tomography scanning in Egyptian population

Study on mandibular parameters of forensic significance

Introduction: Bones often survive the process of decay and therefore provide the major evidence of human age and sex after death. The identification of human skeletal remains is a critical problem and is very important in medico-legal and anthropological works. The determination of sex of an individual is important and necessary both in the living and dead for medico-legal purposes. The aim of this study is to measure and analyze the various parameters of the mandible and to assess the reliability of the above parameters in terms of percentage accuracy in sex determination. Material and Methods: A total of 106 whole-adult human mandibles of unknown sex, between the age group of 18–60 years, were collected and studied at the Department of Anatomy and Forensic Medicine, Guntur Medical College, Guntur from 2014 to 2015. The following parameters studied were symphyseal height, mandibular body length, bicondylar diameter, bigonial diameter, inter incisor width, and mandibular angle. Results: Of the six parameters studied, highly significant (statistically) difference in sex was observed in bigonial diameter (82.15% accuracy) and mandibular angle (81.5% accuracy). Discussion and Conclusion: The inference of the study is that no single parameter gives 100% accuracy in the determination of the sex of the individual. Hence, a judicious consideration of the highly significant parameters of the mandible may be taken into account in the determination of the sex of the individual.

Sex determination from talus in Chinese population by three-dimensional measurement approach.

The determination of sex is an essential part of building the biological profile for unknown human remains. Sex determination from talus in Chinese population has been rarely reported. The aim of this study was to determine sex by discriminant function analysis through talus measurement in Chinese population. 48 male and 47 female Chinese northeast subjects were taken in this research. The ankle joints of these subjects were scanned by CT. In total, thirteen indexes were measured through Mimics and Magics software. Length and breadth indexes of total talus, trochlea, talar head, medial and lateral malleolus articular surface were mainly selected. Nine of them were measured through Mimics software. The other four indexes were measured through Magics software. All data were analyzed by independent-samples t-test in SPSS and Stata software. Discriminant function equations were generated for sex determination. All the indexes were normally distributed. No significant difference between left and right talus in either males or females was identified (P > 0.05). All results showed significant sexual difference (P < 0.05) except posterior breadth of trochlea. The average accuracy of sex determination ranged from 95.85% to 98.45% in the direct method and 98.95% in the stepwise method. Length indexes showed higher accuracy rate than breadth ones. Length of lateral malleolus articular surface was the best discriminator of sexual dimorphism. Talus was proved effective for sex determination in Chinese population. This study provided a remarkable reference for sex determination in forensic science.

Sex determination in Northern Thai from crania by using computer-aided design software and conventional caliper methods

Abstract Background Identification of sex from skeletal remains is an essential step in forensic anthropology. The skull is the second choice, after the pelvis, to estimate sex by osteometric methods. Objective To evaluate the process of identification of sex in Northern Thai from crania by using computer-aided design (AutoCAD) software and conventional caliper methods. Methods Dry skulls of 86 men and 74 women were examined. AutoCAD software and digital calipers were used to measure dimensions. Eleven of the 15 parameters were created for this study. Results Men are significantly larger than women in all parameters, except in the nasospinale–prosthion measurement. There were no significant differences in the intraobserver error test and between the AutoCAD and digital caliper measurements. The logistic regression analysis yielded a sex classification accuracy rate of 92.9% in men, 93.4% in women, and 93.1% of overall accuracy for AutoCAD software. When using digital calipers, there was an accuracy rate of 89.3% in men, 94.7% in women, and 91.9% for overall accuracy. Conclusions AutoCAD software is a reliable method to predict the sex and provide high accuracy in sex determination from crania.

Hand Index- A Forensic Tool for Sexual Dimorphism

Introduction: Amongst the various parameters of identification, sex is one of the most important elements. Figuring out hand index from measurement of hand dimensions is a convenient way to determine sexual dimorphism. This study aims to find out sexual dimorphism from hand dimensions, obtain cut off points for male and female and check percentage accuracy of sex determination from hand dimensions in Nepalese population. Methods: The data was collected from 400 asymptomatic, healthy working staffs (229 males &amp; 171 females) above 23 years in the department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of a tertiary care center of Western Nepal. Measurements of hand length and hand breadth were taken using standard instruments and hand index was calculated therefrom.&#x0D; Results: The mean (+SD) right hand lengths for male and female were found to be 17.87 cm (+0.87) and 16.93cm (+0.58) respectively. The mean (+SD) left hand lengths for male and female were 17.85 cm (+0.86)and 16.97 cm (+0.56)respectively. The average hand breadth for male was 1.00 cm greater for right hand and 0.96 cm greater for left hand as compared to female hand breadth. Differences in length and breadth of hands for both sexes were statistically significant (p&lt;0.001) with no statistically significant difference of hand dimensions in the same sex. Cut off point for right hand index was found to be 42.32 cm and for left hand, 42.30 cm.&#x0D; Conclusion: Hand dimensions and hand index can be reliably used to determine sex in medicolegal cases, especially where isolated hand is obtained.

Early sex identification of 18‐month cultured beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) using ultrasonography, small surgery and plasma steroid hormones

Since sturgeons do not show clear sexual dimorphism particularly when are small in size, attempts were made to determine the best methods to identify early sex in farmed beluga sturgeon (Huso huso). The present study describes the ultrasonography, small surgery and plasma steroid hormone methods to determine gender at 18-month fish, which no research has been conducted yet into the fish at such small ages. Twenty one cultured beluga sturgeon's gonad were imaged using an ultrasonograph unit with a 9–13 MHz linear transducer. Overall accuracy of sex determination using ultrasonography was 80.95%. Plasma testosterone (T) levels were significantly higher in males than in females whereas 17α,20βOH-P levels were significantly higher in females than in males. Testosterone (T) and 17α,20βOH-P were not correlated with morphometric parameters (TL, SL, W, CF) in 18-month beluga sturgeon. Results of this study indicated that sex could be identified by each of ultrasonography, small surgery and analysis of blood plasma in such a small size (18-month). Although direct observation was more efficient than the other methods, ultrasonography was the simplest and cost-effective tool in sturgeon's sex determination compared to other methods, and the least invasive.

Comparative efficacy of two-dimensional mode and color Doppler sonography in predicting gender of the equine fetus.

Background and Aim:Ultrasonographic fetal sexing is of utmost economic importance for horse breeders. Relatively, a few studies have been conducted to determine fetal sex in mare using transrectal Doppler ultrasound. This study aimed to compare two sexing techniques, two-dimensional (2D) mode and color Doppler ultrasonography.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted on 39 mares under field conditions. Examinations were performed using the ultrasonic model device (Medison SonoAce Pico, South Korea), equipped with real-time 3-7 MHz convex multifrequency transducer. Fetal sex diagnosis was carried out in two periods of pregnancy, early period (57-80 days of gestation) and late period (80-150 days of gestation).Results:No difference (p=0.4) was observed between the efficiency of the 2D mode and Doppler ultrasound in sex determination with the respective frequency of 74% and 85%. The best time to sex the early fetus was between 57 and 70 days of gestation and between 90 and 120 days for the older fetus.Conclusion:The accuracy of sex determination can be increased using Doppler mode compared to 2D mode, especially in the early period between 57 and 70 days, in male more than female sex.

Early and Accurate Sex Determination by qPCR of Y Chromosome Repetitive Sequence (YRS) In Cell-Free Fetal DNA from Maternal Plasma.

Circulating cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) provides the opportunity for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis. Early knowledge of the fetal sex is essential in cases with a risk of a sex-linked genetic disease. A reliable and highly sensitive sex determination test is required for first trimester testing because of the low amounts of cffDNA. First trimester blood samples from 326 pregnant women were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for the presence of Y chromosome repetitive sequence (YRS). Blood samples were collected from gestational weeks 4-12. Fetal sex was predicted on the basis of results from the YRS assay of cffDNA extracted from maternal plasma. The predicted sex was compared with the phenotypic sex of the newborn baby (n = 294). There was high concordance between the test results from the YRS assay and the actual sex at birth. There were no false-positive results, indicating agreement between male YRS results and male sex at birth. Two results were false negative (from gestational weeks 4 and 6) predicting female fetuses, when the actual sex at birth was male. Overall, the sensitivity of the YRS assay was 98.6% (95% CI, 95.1%-99.8%), specificity was 100% (95% CI, 97.5%-100%), and accuracy was 99.3% (95% CI, 97.5%-99.9%). From 7 weeks of gestation, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 100%. This study shows that qPCR can be used to detect and quantify repetitive DNA sequences from 0.3 genome equivalents per milliliter of plasma. Prenatal sex determination by qPCR of YRS in cffDNA from maternal plasma was reliable and robust with cffDNA extracted from 1 mL of nonhemolyzed plasma, with a plasma equivalent per PCR of 167 μL. The YRS assay can be used for early noninvasive prenatal sex determination from a gestational age of 7 weeks.

Evaluation of the morphological characteristic and sex differences of sternum by multi-detector computed tomography

Sternum is one of the skeleton parts which have frequently congenital anomalies and variations are commonly used by researchers in determining sex. We evaluated the morphological characteristics and sex-related changes of the sternum in adult individuals using multidetector computed tomography in our study. Two hundred adults (103 female and 97 male) aged between 18 and 87 years were evaluated. Utilising the morphological characteristics of the sternum based on the multislice images; length, width and the thickness of manubrium, length, width and the thickness of corpus sterni, total length of sternum, sternal angle, sternal index (SI), length of the xiphoid process, the thickness of xiphoid process, the number of indents of xiphoid process were measured and a total of 20 parameters were evaluated by adding age, height and weight to these variables. The mean length of the manubrium, the length of corpus sterni, the length of total sternum, SI, sternal angle were found in females 46.7 ± 5.1, 86.6 ± 9.7, 133.1 ± 1.1, 54.47 ± 10.0 and 163.75 ± 5.79; in males 51.2 ± 6,102.4 ± 13.3, 154.1 ± 13.1, 50.11 ± 10.02 and 162.21 ± 6.17, respectively. We found that Hyrtl's Law and SI did not provide adequate accuracy for sex determination in our patients. It has been detected that the length of the manubrium alone is not helpful for individual samples. Total length of the sternum was found to be more reliable than the length of the manubrium and the length of corpus sterni. We determined sternal cleft and sternal foramen as 0.5% and 3.5%, respectively. We suggest that the morphometric standards cannot be universally applied and can demonstrate individual differences. The standard rules must be implemented for every population.

Sex Determination of 3D Skull Based on a Novel Unsupervised Learning Method.

In law enforcement investigation cases, sex determination from skull morphology is one of the important steps in establishing the identity of an individual from unidentified human skeleton. To our knowledge, existing studies of sex determination of the skull mostly utilize supervised learning methods to analyze and classify data and can have limitations when applied to actual cases with the absence of category labels in the skull samples or a large difference in the number of male and female samples of the skull. This paper proposes a novel approach which is based on an unsupervised classification technique in performing sex determination of the skull of Han Chinese ethnic group. The 78 landmarks on the outer surface of 3D skull models from computed tomography scans are marked, and a skull dataset of a total of 40 interlandmark measurements is constructed. A stable and efficient unsupervised algorithm which we abbreviated as MKDSIF-FCM is proposed to address the classification problem for the skull dataset. The experimental results of the adult skull suggest that the proposed MKDSIF-FCM algorithm warrants fairly high sex determination accuracy for females and males, which is 98.0% and 93.02%, respectively, and is superior to all the classification methods we attempted. As a result of its fairly high accuracy, extremely good stability, and the advantage of unsupervised learning, the proposed method is potentially applicable for forensic investigations and archaeological studies.

Comparative evaluation of the performance of the PCR assays commonly used for the determination of sex in avian species

Due to the significance of accurate genetic determination of sex of birds, the aim of this study was to assess comparatively the performance of the methods of Griffiths et al. (1998) and Fridolfsson and Ellegren (1999), and to clarify the specifications that could improve their reliable application in practice. The reference material consisted of samples (n = 354) of whole blood, oral swabs and feathers, collected from 118 individuals of known sex and 15 avian species, including several that have not been tested before. The investigation was conducted with respect to ISO17025, including assessment of DNA quality and investigation for PCR inhibitors, use of controls for all the stages of the analysis, and the assessment of method accordance.The determination of sex using the PCR assay developed by Griffiths et al. produced the expected results for 100 of the individuals and all the samples (n = 300) that were collected from them. The respective values recorded for the assay developed by Fridolfsson and Ellegren were 98 and 294. Method accordance was 100% for both assays under study. Overall relative specificity of the method of Griffiths et al. was 97.1 ± 3.25%, corresponding to 94.2 ± 6.34% and 100% respectively, for male and female individuals. Relative specificity of the method of Fridolfsson and Ellegren was 83.1 ± 6.78%, corresponding to 100% and 65.5 ± 12.23%, respectively, for male and female individuals. Despite the fact that the birds studied were of known sex, in terms of phenotype and reproductive record, inconsistent results were recorded with both methods in some species examined. The difference between the relative specificities was statistically significance in connection with the biological samples in general (p < 0.01) and with the female individuals (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the method of Griffiths et al. proved in most cases, more reliable for the determination of sex of birds. However when testing for the first time a species of birds, a preliminary study that would include method calibration and application on control samples is highly recommended before selecting the method of choice.

A model for height and sex prediction from percutaneous lengths of forearm bones

Estimating the probable height, sex and age of unknown human remains is not uncommon to forensic experts. Applying mathematical formula derived from metric data of a population is accepted as an alternative when anatomical methods are not feasible during this process of identification. Although each population has to generate their own formulae because of differences in the genetic, environmental and racial attributes of populations, little is known of Ghanaians. Thus, we attempted to derive equations for height and sex prediction, by measuring the ulna and radial lengths of 300 Ghanaian subjects, composed of 160 males and 140 females, with a spreading calliper and a tape measure, and their heights with a stadiometer. Regressions and discriminant function analysis were applied to the variables in SPSS to generate formulae for height and sex prediction respectively. The mean height, ulna length and radial length for sampled individuals were 167.4, 28.6 and 25.9 cm respectively. Height exhibited a strong and significant positive correlation with ulna length (r = 0.720, p < 0.0001) and radial length (r = 0.664, p < 0.0001). However, for our data, ulna length is a better predictor of height and sex than radial length. Overall accuracy of sex determination based on radial or ulna length alone was 75.3% and 82.3% respectively.