Sex and age diagnosis by ischium morphometric analysis

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Human Osteology
• Biometric Analysis

Background:

• The ischium, a pelvic bone, undergoes significant growth and changes throughout human development.
• Accurate age and sex determination are crucial in forensic and archaeological investigations.
• Understanding ischial growth patterns can provide valuable osteological data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the growth of four ischial variables using polynomial regression.
• To assess the utility of these variables for age and sex determination in individuals from birth to 97 years.
• To identify the most reliable ischial metric for age estimation across the lifespan.

Main Methods:

• Polynomial regression analysis was applied to growth data from 327 individuals (birth to 97 years).
• Measurements included ischium length and three acetabular surface variables (horizontal diameter, vertical diameter, ischium acetabular index).
• Growth curves were calculated for each variable and sex.

Main Results:

• Most ischial variables exhibited linear growth patterns, with some exceptions in female vertical diameter and index.
• Ischium length, horizontal acetabular diameter, and vertical acetabular diameter proved effective for adult sex discrimination.
• Ischium length, horizontal acetabular diameter, and vertical acetabular diameter are valuable for sub-adult age determination in forensic and archaeological samples.

Conclusions:

• Ischium length is the most robust variable for age determination, applicable across all growth stages.
• Selected ischial metrics offer reliable methods for sex determination in adults.
• These findings enhance the application of ischial morphology in bioarchaeology and forensic science.