Morphometric Variation of Adult Human Clavicle - A Tool for Gender Determination

Introduction: Bones can reflect the basic framework of human body and provide valuable information about the biological identity of the deceased. They often, survive the morphological alteration, decay/mutation and decomposition insults. An in depth, knowledge and analysis of variation in clavicular length, midclavicular circumference and weight is imperative for both clinical and forensic anthropological perspectives. Objectives: The present study was done to determine morphometric variability of adult human clavicles by using length, weight and midclavicular circumference parameters. Materials and Methods: 300 pairs of adult human clavicles of known sex obtained from cadaveric dissection and bony collections of anatomy department were utilized for the study. The length, weight and midclavicular circumference were measured. The data obtained was statistically analysed. Results: Gender specific statistical analysis for length, weight and midclavicular circumference was found to be highly significant. The side specific significance was found only in male and in female clavicles for weight and midclavicular circumference respectively. No side specific significance found for length of clavicle. Conclusions: The present study provides morphometric data for North Indians and compares observations with other populations. The study establishes that length, weight and midclavicular circumference of clavicle have a dimorphic potential. This fact can play a decisive role in forensic identifications and clinical interventions. The results are of immense significance for anatomists, orthopedic surgeons and the forensic anthropologists in their professional endeavors.

A Morphological and Morphometric Study on Curvatures of Clavicle

Introduction: The clavicle is subcutaneous throughout its length and makes a prominent aesthetic contribution to the contour of the neck and upper chest. The use of clavicular curvature analysis offers a new dimension in assessment of the functional morphology of the clavicle and its relationship to the shoulder complex. Objectives: The present study was done to determine gender and side specific variations in the medial angle, lateral angle, anterior lateral length and height, index of curvature and sinuosity of the clavicle. Material and Method: 300 pairs (600 clavicles) of known sex adult clavicles were obtained from cadaveric dissection and bony collections of anatomy department. The medial and lateral angle, anterior lateral curve height and length were measured. Also, index of curvature and sinuosity were calculated. The data obtained was statistically analysed. Results: There exists a statistically significant gender specific variation for index of curvature, anterior lateral curve length and height and index of sinuosity whereas medial and lateral angle values were found to be statistically insignificant. Conclusions: The study establishes morphometric criterion for clavicular curvatures in North Indians and compares observations with other populations giving a special emphasis on influence of sex factor. The curvatures should be taken in to account while performing clinical procedure like intramedullary fixation and plate fixation of fractures.

Study on Combined Cortical Thickness, Total Diameter of Clavicle and Cortical Index of Adult Human Clavicle in North Indians

Clavicle has a complex bone structure, is variable in shape and exhibits dramatic variations both in curvatures and cross sectional geometry. Clavicle has been globally studied for purpose of generating a suitable, correct and economical treatment of clavicular fractures

Bilateral carotico-clinoid foramen.

The carotico-clinoid foramen is the result of ossification either of the carotico-clinoid ligament or of a dural fold extending between the anterior and middle clinoid processes of the sphenoid bone. It is anatomically important due to its relations with the cavernous sinus and its contents, sphenoid sinus and pituitary gland. A case of bilateral foramen caroticoclinoid and interclinoid bar has been reported while teaching the cranial cavity to MBBS students. This carotico-clinoid foramen is seen as a consequence of fusion of anterior and middle clinoid processes. The existence of a bony caroticoclinoid foramen may cause compression, tightening or stretching of the internal carotid artery. Further, removing the anterior clinoid process is an important step in regional surgery. The presence of a bony carotico-clinoid foramen may have high risk. Therefore, detail knowledge of type of ossification between the anterior and middle clinoid processes is necessary to increase the success of regional surgery.

Persistent Sciatic artery.

Arteria comitans nervi ischiadici or Persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly with an incidence varying 0.025-0.04% . During routine dissection in department of anatomy an incomplete type of Persistent sciatic artery was found which is being reported here. Its oncogeny and phylogeny is also discussed in detail. Such a PSA is prone to atheromatous degeneration, thrombosis, distal thromboembolism, aneurysm formation and rupture. Although rare, the possibility of such an anomaly must be borne in mind with certain clinical presentations , during orthopedic procedures on the hip and during angiographic studies of the leg. Successful surgical correction of problems necessitates excluding the anomalous artery from the circulation while revascularizing the lower exterimity.

Mesocephaly to Brachycephaly shift as seen in Punjabi children.

Anthropometric Parameters are useful tools in evaluating growth and development. Cephalic Index helps in estimation of intracranial volume in vivo & thus the brain growth. This prospective longitudinal study was initiated to compare the ethnic variations in cephalic index in specific defined ethnic groups of Punjab Jat Sikh and Bania infants. It was observed that Jatsikh infants had a brachycephalic type of skull throughout the study whereas Bania infants displayed mesocephalic type of skull till 7th month of their lives and later on even they became brachycephalic in their skull shapes. It is apparent that the trend in replacing mesocephaly by brachycephaly in northern Indian children, wherein possibly Jatsikh children are ahead of Bania children in this process.

Sex determination in north Indians using mandibular canine index.

Teeth are an excellent material in living and non-living populations for anthropological, genetic, odontologic and forensic investigations. Amongst all teeth, the mandibular canines are found to exhibit greatest sexual dimorphism. Rao et al (1989) used the mandibular canine index for sex determination and found it to give satisfactory results. Muller et al (2001) concluded that Rao et al’s method can only be used in case of correct lower anterior dental alignment and by using the standard mandibular canine index of the local population. The present study endeavors to establish the effectiveness of mandibular canine index in predicting sex in North Indian population taking correct dental alignment into consideration. It was seen that with the standard mandibular canine index, it was possible to detect sex in North Indian population to an extent as high as 75%. This study establishes the existence of a statistically significant sexual dimorphism in the morphometry of mandibular canines in North Indian population.