Study on Anthropometric Parameters of Dry Tibia of Human Origin to Aid Gender Identification in Forensic Investigation

Abstract

Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the significance of anthropometric parameters of dry human tibia in determining gender in as ample representing the Tamil Nadu region of India.

Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on dry tibia of human origin at Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, in October 2015, in relation to three important manually measurable anthropometric parameters: the proximal epiphysial breadth (PEB), the distal epiphyseal breadth (DEB), and the maximum length (L) of dry tibia. The observations were tabulated and statistically analyzed using unpaired t-test and Mann-Whitney U test.Significance level was assessed with p value < 0.05.

Results: The present study found significant differences (p < 0.0001) in the 3 studied parameters. In male tibias, it was statistically inferred that PEB, DEB and L of tibia is more than 6.9 cm, 4.8 cm and35.2 cm, respectively. On the other hand, in female tibias, it was inferred that the respective parameters are less than 6.6 cm, 4.5 cm and 35.1 cm.

Conclusion: On comparison with various other studies done in different parts of the world, it was inferred that the values of one race may not apply to another; and those of one zone may not apply to another. Therefore, it is suggested that one should consider separate values for different zones while attempting to establish parameters for gender identification of skeletal remains.