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Asymmetric Walkway: A Novel Behavioral Assay for Studying Asymmetric Locomotion
Published on: January 15, 2016
Skeletal asymmetry
Tanuj Kanchan1, T S Mohan Kumar, G Pradeep Kumar
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. tanujkanchan@yahoo.co.in
Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
|March 4, 2008
Summary
Skeletal directional asymmetry in limb bones arises from mechanical stress during growth. This study examines cross-symmetry patterns in limb bone dimensions, crucial for forensic anthropology and mass disaster identification.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Human Anatomy
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Bilateral bone dimension variations are known as directional asymmetry.
- Upper limb asymmetry often favors the dominant side, while lower limb asymmetry favors the contralateral side, forming a cross-symmetry pattern.
- Understanding these variations is critical for accurate skeletal analysis, particularly in forensic contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phenomenon of directional asymmetry and cross-symmetry in human limb bones.
- To highlight the importance of considering these variations in skeletal remains examination.
- To present a case study with literature review on limb element dimension comparisons.
Main Methods:
- Measurement and comparison of dimensions of right and left limb elements.
- Review of relevant scientific literature on skeletal asymmetry.
- Case report detailing skeletal remains examination.
Main Results:
- Directional asymmetry in limb bone dimensions is influenced by mechanical stress and strain during growth.
- A cross-symmetry pattern, with dominance on opposite sides for upper and lower limbs, was observed.
- Variations in bone dimensions can lead to misidentification of individuals in forensic cases.
Conclusions:
- Directional asymmetry and cross-symmetry are significant factors in human skeletal variation.
- Accurate assessment of limb bone dimensions is essential for reliable identification in forensic anthropology.
- This study underscores the need to account for natural skeletal asymmetry in individual identification.
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