NCJ Number
145748
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 38 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1993) Pages: 769-778
Date Published
1993
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Sex determination was carried out with a sample of 60 individuals to assess the degree of sexual dimorphism present in human metacarpals and the first proximal phalanx using sliding calipers and applying a simple formula.
Abstract
Six measurements were taken on each of metacarpals 1 to 5 and the first proximal phalanx: interarticular length, mediolateral width of the base, anteroposterior width of the base, mediolateral width of the head, anteroposterior width of the head, and maximum midshaft diameter. Regression equations were calculated for determining sex from the bones, and these equations were then applied to a second sample of 20 individuals to establish the degree of accuracy they produced in assigning sex. All hand bones were of recent origin and were derived from dissecting room cadavers at medical schools in the United Kingdom. Results showed that equations for metacarpal 1 produced the highest degree of correct sex determination. Overall, the degree of accuracy ranged from 74 to 94 percent. Further research into sex determination techniques is recommended to test the usefulness of the equations. 26 references and 6 tables