Sex estimation from the mastoid process among North Indians

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Osteology
• Human Identification

Background:

• Accurate sex determination from fragmented human remains is crucial in forensic anthropology.
• The mastoid process exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism, offering potential for sex identification.
• Existing anthropometric standards may not be universally applicable across diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish population-specific, sex-differentiating anthropometric standards for the mastoid process.
• To evaluate the efficacy of various mastoid measurements in sex determination for North Indian skulls.

Main Methods:

• Eight anthropometric parameters of the mastoid region were measured on 138 adult North Indian crania (104 male, 34 female).
• Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16.0, including stepwise analysis and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves.
• Sexual dimorphism was assessed for all measured parameters.

Main Results:

• All measured mastoid parameters demonstrated statistically significant sexual dimorphism (p < 0.000).
• Stepwise analysis identified asterion-mastoidale and mastoid breadth as key predictors, yielding an accuracy of 87%.
• The posterior end of the incisura mastoidea-depression of the suprameatal triangle showed the highest predictive accuracy (82.6%) based on ROC curve analysis.

Conclusions:

• Anthropometric standards derived from the mastoid process are valuable for sex determination in North Indian populations.
• Specific measurements, particularly asterion-mastoidale and mastoid breadth, offer high accuracy in sex identification.
• These findings contribute to refining forensic anthropological methods for skeletal remains.