Human nail growth pattern and medicolegal aspect.

Among the body tissues nails are known to resist decomposition and disintegration. As such the study undertaken on the nails pattern and growth are presented. The idea came from the ink mark applied during the election voting. In 153 cases the growth rate in different fingers was recorded and statistically analyzed. The results are tabulated. It is possible that identity of the person can be established by growth pattern, unusual marks and history of trimming the nails etc. During the study it was observed that cutting of the nails encourages the growth. If allowed to grow the growth is retarded proportionately. Study was done from March 2000 to June 2000.

An anthropometric investigation into the probable cause of formation of ‘carrying angle’: A sex indicator.

In the living the ‘Carrying angle’ measures around 173 degrees in males and 167 degrees in females. The cause of its formation is a long debated issue. The present study is an attempt to identify by anthropometric means the sexually dimorphic features in the bones of the elbow joint which makes the ‘Carrying angle’ a sex indicator. The distal end of the humerus and the proximal end of ulna playing major role in the formation of ‘Carrying angle’ have been examined for sex difference. The two measurements of the humerus (Trochlear angle and Inclination angle of Olecranon fossa) and three measurements of the ulna (Olecranon – coronoid angle, length and width of inferior medial trochlear notch) were devised for the study. Though the humeral angles failed to show any sex difference, the angle and dimensions of ulna exhibited statistically significant result. Could these parameters be the cause of sex differences the ‘Carrying angle’ exhibits at the elbow joint?