Calcaneus radiograph as a diagnostic tool for sexual dimorphism in Egyptians

Measurements of calcaneus have been shown to be sexually dimorphic in American whites and blacks, Italians and South African whites and blacks. Since the validity of discriminant function equation in sex determination is population specific, the aim of the present study was to derive similar equations for the calcanei of Egyptians. Lateral radiographs of the ankles of 204 Egyptians aged 20-70 were analyzed with regards to sexual dimorphism, consisting of 104 males and 100 females. X-ray films were obtained from Minia Forensic Department. Six measurements were taken for every calcaneal X-ray film, three linear and three angular measurements. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 17, An independent samples t-test and discriminant function analysis were done. All linear measurements, but not angular, showed significant sexual differences. Maximum length was found to be the most sexually dimorphic (90.2%). Combination of maximum length with minimum height gave the same result of all linear measurements (92.6%) which was more than given by individual variables (81.4-90.2%).