SEX DETERMINATION FROM FORAMEN MAGNUM USING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Abstract

Introduction: Forensic anthropology involves scientific techniques to identify human remains and detect crimes. Sex determination is the first step in forensic identification followed by age and stature. The skull base is the thickest part of the cranium and hence relatively protected against trauma or inhumation. The foramen magnum is the largest foramen of the skull base and is hence reported to be a sex discriminator in some populations. The study aimed to find the sexual dimorphism of the foramen magnum in the Yobe population by analyzing its morphometry and morphology. Keywords: Sex, Foramen magnum, Computed tomography, Forensic, Morphology, Morphometric Materials and Method: The anteroposterior length and transverse diameter of the foramen magnum were measured and various shapes of the foramen magnum were determined using CT images of the Yobe population who underwent CT examination at Yobe State University Teaching Hospital. Radinsky's formula was used to calculate the area of the foramen magnum. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the sexual discrimination accuracy of the foramen magnum. Results: Mean values of anteroposterior length, transverse diameter, and area of the foramen magnum were determined and are found to be greater in males than in females. The morphometric of the foramen magnum and the area calculated showed a significant difference (p<0.05) between males and females. The shapes of foramen magnum show a significant association (P<0.05) between males and females. ROC curve analysis for the morphometric data shows 86.1% overall sex predictive accuracy. Conclusions: Considering the predictive accuracy of the foramen magnum in sexual discrimination, it can be used to predict the sex of the Yobe population.