Morphometric analysis and sex determination from clavicles in Gujarati population.

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: To determine sex from unknown skeletal remains is vital. Various methods to do this on different bones of human skeleton have been extensively studied. In general male bones are heavier larger and muscular markings are more prominently seen as compared to female bones. The objective of this study was to find out comparative differences between the right and left clavicles from certain metrical parameters and to enable assessment of sex from unknown clavicles. Methods: The study was conducted on 213 adult clavicles, out of which 96 were of the right side and 117 were of the left. The maximum length of clavicles in mm was taken and demarking points were established by adding and subtracting 3×SD from means. Results: The mean length of right clavicle was 142.28 mm ± 11.40 mm SD and that of left clavicle was 145.14 mm ± 11.87 mm SD. It has been observed that left clavicle is longer than right clavicle by 2.82mm. Depending upon length of clavicle the sex can be decided in 3.13% male and 2.08% female in right clavicles and 1.71% male and 1.71% female in left clavicles. Conclusion: The left clavicle was longer compared to right clavicle. Demarking points give 99.75% accurate data, measured by adding & subtracting 3×SD from means. Demarking points for length of clavicles were >176.48 mm for male & <108.08 mm for female on right side and >180.75mm for male & <109.53 mm for female on left side for this study. This study is useful for medico legal and anthropological examination of bones and for academic studies in anatomy.