Estimation of sex from scapular measurements: use of the bone area as a criterion

Year 2019, Volume: 10 Issue: 1, 39 - 45, 03.07.2019

Derya Atamtürk , Can Pelin İzzet Duyar

Abstract

Since the human scapula exhibits sexually dimorphic features, it
has been examined in detail in recent years, especially in terms
of direct anthropometric measurements. During these
investigations, only very few authors have used derived variable
(area of the glenoid cavity) and they reported that this
measurement could be used for estimating sex. However, other
areal variables of the scapula have not been studied to determine
whether they contribute to predicting sex. Therefore, we aimed
to clarify the question of whether derived variables, as well as
direct measurements, could contribute to sex estimation. In the
present study, four direct scapular measurements were taken
from the magnetic resonance images (MRI) and we then
calculated two derived variables from 99 male and 105 female
adults’ scapulae. Direct measurements are infraspinous fossa
height (IFH), maximum scapular breadth (MB), glenoid cavity
length (GCL), axillar bone length (ABL), and maximum spine
length (MSL). Derived areal variables are MB*IFH and MSL*IFH.
Univariate discriminant function analysis yielded overall sex
prediction success rates ranging from 82.4% to 67.5%. As a single
derived variable, MB*IFH, was the most discriminative for sexing
the individuals. Multivariate discriminant analysis yielded 90.5%
success in correct sex assign by using three parameters (ABL,
GCL, and MSL). These results demonstrate that the analysis of
scapular size provides a highly accurate tool for assigning sex.

Keywords

Forensic anthropology, sex estimation, scapular dimensions, direct measurements, derived measurements

References

• Albanese J. (2003) A metric method for sex determination using the hipbone and the femur. J Forensic Sci 48:263-273.