Sex determination using mandibular ramus flexure: a preliminary study on Indian population

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Human Osteology
• Biological Anthropology

Background:

• Morphological assessment is a traditional method for sex determination in forensic anthropology.
• The Mandibular Ramus Flexure trait, previously validated in African populations, offers high accuracy for sex identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reliability and accuracy of the Mandibular Ramus Flexure trait for sex determination in the Indian population.
• To assess inter-observer and intra-observer variability in applying this morphological trait.

Main Methods:

• Studied 112 adult Indian mandibles (88 male, 24 female).
• Two observers scored the Mandibular Ramus Flexure trait across three sessions to assess reliability.
• Analyzed data to determine accuracy and observer error.

Main Results:

• The Mandibular Ramus Flexure trait achieved an average accuracy of 82% for sex determination in the Indian sample.
• Inter-observer and intra-observer errors were identified but deemed manageable with training.
• The trait demonstrates potential utility in forensic sex estimation for this population.

Conclusions:

• The Mandibular Ramus Flexure trait is a potentially reliable morphological indicator for sex determination in the Indian population.
• While observer variability exists, it can be mitigated through standardized training and practice.
• This trait can serve as a valuable tool in forensic anthropological analyses for sex estimation in India.