Determination of sex by osteometry of third metatarsal

Abstract

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