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Sex determination from hand and foot bone lengths
1Department of Sociology and Anthropology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8107, USA. dtcase@server.sasw.ncsu.edu
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|February 24, 2007
Summary
Sex estimation using hand and foot length measurements is more reliable than robusticity measures. The left hand provided over 80% accuracy, with phalanges being key indicators for sex determination.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Biological Anthropology
- Human Osteology
Background:
- Previous research on hand and foot sex estimation yielded inconsistent results.
- Robusticity measurements (e.g., bone width) are influenced by physical activity, potentially obscuring sexual dimorphism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of hand and foot length measurements for sex estimation.
- To compare the utility of length versus robusticity measures in forensic anthropology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized discriminant function analysis on length measurements from the hands and feet.
- Sample comprised 123 white females and 136 white males from the Terry Collection.
Main Results:
- The left hand achieved classification rates exceeding 80% for sex estimation.
- Phalangeal length measurements were more effective discriminators than metacarpal or metatarsal lengths.
Conclusions:
- Hand and foot length measurements are more suitable for sex estimation than robusticity measures.
- Phalanges offer significant potential for improving sex estimation accuracy in forensic contexts.
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