Sternum as an index for determination of sex

ABSTRACT

Background: To examine human bones is a challenge for experts, especially in deceased and also for determinationof sex for medico-legal purpose. Measurement of the sternum is done by many authors for determination of sex.Sternum was measured for length of manubrium, length of mesosternum and combined length of manubrium andmesosternum. The data was statistically analysed.Method: The present study was done on 65 human sternums(46 Males and 19 Females). Sternum was extractedfrom cadavers in the Department of Anatomy, People’s College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopaland Sternum from Autopsy bodies in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, People’s College ofMedical Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal. (MP),India.Results: If the combined length of a sternum is less than 150 mm then it is of female sternum, if it exceeds 150 mm,it is of male sternum. The mean Sternal Index in male was 43.43 and in females 41.132. 89.13% of male and21.05% of female specimen obey the Hyrtl’s law.Conclusion: The combined length of manubrium and mesosternum is considered as the most important parameter,which when applied to an individual specimen can help in sexing the sterna correctly in our study