Sex determination using the second cervical vertebra--A test of the method

Area of Science:

• Forensic anthropology
• Bioarchaeology
• Skeletal biology

Background:

• Sex determination from skeletal remains is vital in forensic and archaeological contexts.
• The Wescott method utilizes dimensions of the second cervical vertebra (C2) for sex assessment.
• Continuous validation of existing methods is necessary to enhance accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To blind-test the Wescott method for sex determination using the second cervical vertebra.
• To develop and evaluate new discriminant functions for sex classification based on a documented skeletal collection.
• To assess the accuracy and precision of sex determination from C2 dimensions.

Main Methods:

• The Wescott method was applied to 153 adult skeletons from the Spitalfields collection.
• Measurements of the second cervical vertebra were taken and analyzed.
• Discriminant functions were developed using stepwise discriminant analysis.

Main Results:

• Significant sex differences were observed in all measured dimensions of the C2 vertebra (p<0.05-0.001).
• The original Wescott discriminant functions achieved an overall accuracy of 76.99%.
• A new discriminant function derived from the Spitalfields data correctly classified sex in 83.3% of individuals with equal accuracy for males and females.

Conclusions:

• The dimensions of the second cervical vertebra provide reliable indicators for sex determination.
• The developed discriminant function offers improved accuracy for sex classification in skeletal remains.
• Alternative discriminant functions are provided for cases with incomplete C2 preservation.