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Background: Hip bone is the most sexually dimorphic bone in adult human skeleton, which provides sufficientevidence for sex determination even if fragmentary remains are available, and thus it is of great use both formedico-legal and archaeological purposes. Recent improved researches on metric assessment of variousparameters of hip bone are an effort to decrease ambiguity in assessment methods. Present study aims todetermine the sexual dimorphism in the morphometric parameters of ischial component of dry hip bone.Material and Methods: Present study was conducted on 100 undamaged hip bones, of known sex and unknownage (M:F=80:20, R:L= 50:50) procured from the Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Amritsar.The various dimensions measured were (1) Height of Ischium, (2) Length of Ischium upto the farthest point onacetabular rim, (3) Lower Spinal Height, (4) Front Spinal Height. The observations were statistically evaluated tofind out sex & side related differences.Results: All these parameters were significantly longer in males as compared to females. Also these were more onright side in both sexes but the difference was statistically insignificant.Conclusions: The results of the present study can be used for sex determination from the fragmentary remains ofhip bone. The study also advocates a need for more studies of similar parameters for other regional populationsto build up larger databases due to paucity of comparative data
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Background: Different bones of the human skeleton present age-, sex- and race-related dissimilarities, so thatusing visual criteria & metric techniques, age, sex, and race of an individual can be estimated from these bones.One such bone is the hip bone whose characteristic morphology makes it interesting from anatomical,anthropological, and forensic point of view. Its features are important not only for the anatomist but also for theanthropologist, for population studies & for forensic experts for specimen recognition and gender determinationof skeletal remains. The three constituent parts of hip bone i.e ilium, ischium and pubis depict different genderspecific features. The pubis showing pubertal changes first of all are being considered in this article. Its differentparameters will be definitely helpful to anatomists, anthropologists & forensic experts in their respective fields.Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 100 adult undamaged human hip bones, (M:F=80:20,R:L= 50:50) obtained from the Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Amritsar. The variousdimensions of the pubis measured were (1) Mid Pubic Width, (2) Length of Pubic Crest, (3) Length of Pubic Bone,(4) Length of Pubic bone upto acetabulum. The observations were statistically evaluated to find out sex & siderelated differences.Results: All the pubic parameters measured were significantly larger in female bones as compared to malebones, except the mid pubic width. However no significant side specific pattern could be determined in either sex.Conclusions: There is a relative paucity of region specific data for the various parameters of pubis in the accessibleliterature. Thus the present study advocates the significance of pubis in sexual dimorphism, for sex determination& provides reference values for the North India region.
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Background: Skeleton is an excellent investigating material in living and non-living population for genetic,anthropological and forensic purposes. Anatomical knowledge of human osteology, in the evaluation of deathmay help to shed light on legal issues such as sex and age determination, parentage and racial identity. Withracial differences, it’s difficult to implement a uniform method for determining sex. Therefore, the need forpresent study was felt. Many bones of skeleton present size related sexual differences, those of the pelvis usuallydisplayed differences in morphology independent of size as the sex hormones influence the reproductive functions.In the present study an attempt has been made to arrive at appropriate metric data, regarding sex determinationof North Indian pelves using indices calculated upon dry hip bones, sacrum & pelvis as a whole.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 50 adult pelvis (M: F= 40:10) obtained from GovernmentMedical College, Amritsar. Measurements related to Pelvic Brim Index, Coxal Index, Index I & Index II of GreaterSciatic Notch, Ischiopubic Index, Sacral index, Longitudinal Curvature index & Corporobasal index were taken bystandardized methods, indices were calculated & results were statistically analyzed.Results: Amongst the various indices calculated in present study Coxal Index, Index I & Index II of Greater SciaticNotch, Ischiopubic Index & Sacral index were found to be significantly sexually dimorphic.Conclusions: Since skeletal characteristics vary among populations; therefore the present study provides adatabase for various significant pelvis related indices amongst North Indian population to optimize the accuracyof sex identification
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Background: The orientation of superior articular processes in the thoracic & lumbar vertebrae differs. These processes play an important role in weight transmission & determining the range & direction of movements between any two vertebrae. Methods: The present study has been conducted on the articular processes of 510 vertebrae (thoracic:360; lumbar: 150) with the aim to investigate the possible mehanism for the change from a posterolaterally facing superior articular surface in the thoracic region to posteromedially facing curved articular surface in the lumbar region. Results: In thoracic region, the angle varied between 112o to 120o but suddenly decreased to 85o (R) and 92.1o (L) at T12. In lumbar region, it showed a marked decrease at L1(R:32o; L:34.2o) which further decreased upto L3 and again increased upto L5. Thus, the above observations indicated that between T1-T11 the facet was directed posterolaterally, at T12 it was almost posterior and at L1 it changed its orientation to posteromedially and remained so in whole of the lumbar region. This change in orientation of superior articular processes at the thoracolumbar junction was abrupt at T12-L1 level or gradual over T11-L1 in almost equal number of columns. Conclusion: Clinical implication: The pattern of orientation not only guides & limits the excursion of motion segments but also is relevant in axial weight bearing.
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Background: The articular processes of thoracolumbar vertebral column play an important role in weight transmission and determining the range and direction of movements between any two vertebrae. Size of these facets has been correlated with the magnitude of stress imposed on them. Purpose of study: The present study has been conducted on the articular processes of 510 vertebrae (thoracic: 360; lumbar:150) with the aim to provide high quality data sets for constructing the models of spine to study mechanics of spinal instrumentation. The length , width and the distance between the right & left superior & inferior articular processes have been measured with the vernier callipers. The presence/ absence of mamillary tubercle has been observed in the present study. Results: The length of thoracic SAFs was almost same at all levels whereas that of the lumbar SAFs increased gradually from L1-L5. However the width showed a variable trend. In case of thoracic IAFs both these parameters showed a variable trend. Whereas in lumbar region, these increased gradually from L1-L5. The distance between two inferior articular processes was more than that between two superior articular processes at almost all levels except T1-T3 & L1-L4 where reverse was true. The mamillary tubercle/process was altogether absent from T-1 to T-8. From T-9 to T-11, the number of vertebral column showing mamillary tubercle increased from 4-19. However at T-12, it was seen in 29 Vertebral columns. In lumbar region, it was well developed in all vertebrae and termed as mamillary process. Conclusion: The measurements obtained by present study reveals the importance of articular facets in understanding basic spinal mechanics and its application with respect to weight transmission.
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Background: The suprascapular notch is a semicircular notch located at the superior border of the scapula, just medial to the base of the coracoid process which constitutes the main site of compression of the suprascapular nerve. The aim of present study is to study morphological variations of the suprascapular notch in the North Indian population, classify the suprascapular notch into various types and to correlate the type of notch to the incidence of suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome. Materials and Methods: Material for the present study comprised of 100 adult scapulae (Right : Left :: 50:50) of unknown age and sex, obtained from Department of Anatomy, Govt. Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India. Results: Suprascapular notch was present in 95% bones, was transversely oval in 66%, vertical diameter = 5.9mm (3.29-16.80mm), transverse diameter = 5.96mm(2.93-13.70mm), distance from the base of suprascapular notch to the superior rim of glenoid = 29.98mm (21.7-39.25mm). It was classified as per Natsis et al classification into type I (20%), type II (39%), type III (34%), type IV (5%) and type V (2%). Our results were compared with the studies of other authors. Conclusions: The knowledge of classification and the anatomical variations of suprascapular notch helps the clinician to define easily and quickly the type of notch and be able to correlate suprascapular nerve entrapment with a specific type of notch.
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Introduction: The study of fusion of body and greater cornua of hyoid bone is of tremendous clinical and forensic significance as it can be used to estimate the age of living or dead or skeletonized remains. It becomes all the more important as this fusion is relatively immune to some individual factors like life style, health and nutrition etc. Material method: The study comprised of 15 male and 15 female bones all collected from human cadavers with age >60 years. Digitalized radiographs of these bones were taken and fusion between body and greater cornua was studied. Results: A bilateral fusion was seen in 43.3% bones with another 33% showing unilateral fusion .The bilateral fusion did not depict any sex difference but unilateral fusion was more common on left side in males and right side in females. Conclusion: Fusion of body and greater cornua of hyoid bone after age of 60 years is not always seen so one should be cautious in interpreting fracture of this bone in persons with age >60years and look for other local pathological features like haematoma formation at the site of fracture.
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Introduction: Out of different cartilages of larynx, cricoid is the strongest cartilage. It is the only cartilage which extends completely around the air passage. It is smaller but stronger and thicker than the thyroid cartilage. Though a lot of work has been done on thyroid cartilage it is not so for cricoid cartilage. This give us a impetus to design this study. Material and method: The material for present study comprised of 30 adult (M:F::25:5) apparently normal cadaveric larynges, obtained from the Anatomy Department of Govt. Medical College, Amritsar. Different morphometric diameters of the cricoid cartilage were measured with help of vernier caliper with least count 0.01mmand thesewere noted on a predesigned proforma. All the data thus obtained was tabulated, analysed, scrutinized and compared with the earlier studies available in the literature. An attempt has been done to provide a base line data for this region. Result and Conclusion: Cricoid cartilage was oval in shape in all the specimens. Outer and inner transverse diameters and outer and inner anteroposterior diameters of cricoid cartilagewere larger in males as compared to females. As we compare both diameters in males and females, outer transverse diameter was found to be larger than outer anteroposterior diameter, while inner anteroposterior diameter was larger than inner transverse diameter. Height and thickness of cricoid arch and lamina were observed to be larger in males as compared to females.
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Introduction: Sex estimation of skeletal remains is an important issue in both forensics and bioarchaeology. Many mammalian species display sexual dimorphism in the pelvis, where females possess larger dimensions of the obstetric canal than males. This is contrary to the general pattern of body size dimorphism, where males are larger than females. Pelvic dimorphism is often attributed to selection relating to parturition, or as a developmental consequence of secondary sexual differentiation. Current opinion regards the hip bone as the most reliable sex indicator because it is the most dimorphic bone, particularly in adult individuals. Material & Methods: In the present study, an attempt has been made to find the base line data of thirteen parameters pertaining to ilia of 100 hip bones of known sex and side. Variables studied were: Total length of iliac crest, lengths of its ventral & dorsal segments; distance between Anterior Superior Iliac Spine & Iliac Tubercle; Iliac height; Ventral, Sacral, Direct, Lower & Upper iliac heights; Iliac breadth; Lower, Ventral & Sacral iliac breadths, Length of pelvic & sacral parts of Chilotic Line. Results: The results obtained were tabulated, statistically analysed & compared to the earlier literature. It was seen that almost all the parameters except Sacral Iliac Height, Lower Iliac Height & Pelvic parts of Chilotic line were longer in males. Conclusion: To conclude, the morphometry of ilium also constitutes an important mean of sexual dimorphism. However its parameters are longer in males as it does not form a part of birth canal so is independent of sex hormones & is akin to general rule that male bones are larger than female bones.
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Background: The use of coxal elements for age & sex identification is primary and most widespread way of bringing us closer to the identity of dead individuals in archaeological & certain forensic scenarios. It is well known that there is metric & morphologic variation in expression of sexual dimorphism between racial phenotypes and populations. Therefore, the purpose of present research is to assess metric differences in the pubo-ischial region of hip bones amongst North Indian Population. Material & Methods: Material for the current investigation comprised of 100 hip bones [(M: F=80:20) & (R: L=50:50)] obtained from Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India. Pubic Length & ischial length were measured and Pubo-ischial index was calculated. All the data thus obtained was compiled, tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: All the three parameters showed statistically significant sex differences. Ischium was longer in males, pubis in females & pubo-ischial index was also more in females. Conclusion: These variables can be used to determine sex from human hip bone or its fragments.
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BACKGROUND: The anatomical variations in the different parts of brachial plexus in human have been described by many authors. These variations have clinical significance for the surgeons, radiologists and the anatomists. A lot of work has been done on the morphology of branching pattern of the different cords of brachial plexus but almost all the workers are silent about their morphometry. That’s why this study is planned on morphology & morphometry of branching pattern of different cords of brachial plexus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on 60 upper limbs belonging to 30 cadavers (Male:Female = 28:02), (Right:Left = 30:30) obtained from Department of Anatomy, Govt. Medical College, Amritsar. These were dissected to expose the different components of brachial plexus. OBSERVATIONS: Out of 60 limbs, the lateral and the medial cords were formed in the usual way in 56 limbs, while the posterior cord was normal in 57 limbs. The average lengths of lateral, medial & posterior cords were 3.37 cm, 4.05 cm & 1.95 cm respectively. The branches of lateral cord depicted more variations in the form of origin as compared with those of medial & posterior cords. The distance of different branches of all the cords from the point of origin to parent cord varied between the two sides of same cadaver as well as on the same side of different cadavers. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION: The present study on the adult human cadavers is an essential prerequisite for the initial built up of the data base at the grass root level. The anatomy has always provided a bedrock for the sound surgical endeavors. It definitely has an upper edge to widely and indiscriminately used radiological and sophisticated CT and MRI observations which carry a margin of error inherent to any diagnostic procedure because no doubt the machines are a good bet but the eyes see the best.
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Background: The brachial plexus has a complex anatomical structure since its origin in the neck throughout its course in the axillary region. It also has close relationship to important anatomic structures what makes it an easy target of a sort of variations and provides its clinical and surgical importance. The presence of communicating branches between the terminal branches of the brachial plexus are relatively common & reported by many of the authors but very few studies are there in literature about communicating branch from the lateral root of the median nerve to the ulnar nerve. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 60 upper limbs belonging to 30 cadavers ( Male:Female = 28:02 ), ( Right:Left = 30:30 ) obtained from Department of Anatomy. Observations: Communicating branch from the lateral root of the median nerve to the ulnar nerve was seen in 2 limbs (3.33%). These limbs also depicted fusion of musculocutaneous & median nerves. Discussion & Conclusion: Whether this is a conjunction or just a co-incidence, remains to be verified on a larger database. However the existence of communicating branches may be of importance in the evaluation of unexplained sensory loss after trauma or surgical intervention in a particular area. Further ontogeny & phylogeny of the variant patterns are discussed.
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The sacrum has always attracted the attention of the medico-legal experts for establishing the sex, because of its contribution to pelvic girdle and associated functional sex differences. The present study was performed to evaluate the reliability of the various parameters of sacrum in this regard. The material for the study comprised of 50 adult sacra (M: F= 40:10), obtained from the Department of Anatomy, Govt. Medical College, Amritsar. Different parameters viz. Midventral straight length, Midventral curved length, Ventral straight breadth, Transverse diameter of base, Transverse diameter of body of S1, Antero-posterior diameter of body of S1, Breadth of alae were measured and indices viz. Sacral index, Longitudinal curvature index and Corporobasal index were calculated and statistically analyzed . Out of these Midventral straight length, Midventral curved length, Transverse diameter of base, Antero-posterior diameter of body of S1 and Breadth of alae were found to be significantly more in males while Sacral index was significantly more in females. Corporobasal index was found to be more in females though statistically insignificant.