Sternal index: Is it a reliable indicator of sex in the Maharashtrian population of India?

Sex determination is an important initial step in forensic investigation of unknown human skeletal remains. The present analysis is an attempt to determine the sex of the sternum using sternal index as a parameter in a Maharashtrian population of India. Sternal index is calculated in 115 adult sternums of confirmed sex (75 male and 40 female) for sexual dimorphism. The sternal index is derived by dividing the length of manubrium by the length of mesosternum and multiplying it by 100. Although the sternal index is found to be significantly higher in females, the analysis suggests that sex determination cannot be made conclusively from the sternal index in the Maharashtra region of western India. The study further concludes that the applicability of Hyrtl's law in sex determination is limited.

Metrical and non-metrical study of anterior clinoid process in South Indian adult skulls.

BACKGROUND: The complex architecture of the anterior clinoid process (ACP), which is usually removed during the surgical elimination of tumors or aneurysms of sellar region, has surgical importance. For effective clinoidectomy, a neurosurgeon must have the prior knowledge of anatmoical variations of ACP. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dimensions and variation in the shape of ACP in dry adult skulls of South Indian origin. METHODS: The study was conducted on 25 dry adult South Indian skulls of either sex. Basal width, length and thickness of ACP were measured on both the sides using Vernier caliper. Non-metrical parameters such as shape, direction of ACP were recorded. RESULTS: ACP exhibited different anatomical variations with respect to their shape and direction. Triangular, pentagonal, nipple shaped, J-shaped and finger like ACP's were observed in these skulls. Bilaterally triangular ACP was the most common type observed (64%). ACP was bilaterally straight in 68% of the skulls and bilaterally curved in 16% of the skulls. ACP with blunt end and pointed end was observed bilaterally in 52 and 24% of the skulls, respectively. The average length, basal width and thickness of ACP on right side was 10.68 +/- 1.90, 12.4 +/- 2.58 and 6.88 +/- 1.09 mm, respectively, and on the left side it was 9.96 +/- 1.71, 11.12 +/- 1.81 and 6.52 +/- 0.96 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The result of the present investigation suggests that ACPs of South Indian skulls are highly variable and, are marginally larger and thicker than ACPs of Nepalese and Korean origin.

Sexual dimorphism of the human sternum in a Maharashtrian population of India: a morphometric analysis.

Determination of sex from human skeletal remains is an imperative element of any medicolegal investigation. Length of manubrium, length of mesosternum, and combined length of manubrium and mesosternum were measured in 115 sternums of confirmed sex (75 male and 40 female) for sexual dimorphism. Application of "the 50 rule" for the manubrium confirmed sex in 77.3% male and 77.5% female bones, while application of "the 81 rule" for the mesosternum confirmed sex in 73.3% male and 75% female bones accurately. Application of "the 131 rule" derived from the study for combined length of manubrium and mesosternum confirmed sex in 85.3% male and 77.5% female sternums correctly. This study confined to the Maharashtra region of western India is useful to determine the sex of the sternum when it is subjected for medicolegal skeletal examination.