Sexing based on measurements of the femoral head parameters on pelvic radiographs

Abstract

Background and aim: Previous studies have shown that the collo-diaphysial angle varies by race and sex in different populations. This study was performed to compare the femoral head parameters in the two sexes using pelvic radiography in Iranian adults during the August 2011 to August 2012 period.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 100 male and 100 female. After taking hip radiography, collo-diaphysial angle, maximum femoral head diameters and minimum femoral neck width were measured on both sides. Dominant hand, height, weight and body mass index were also recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Sex differences were tested using independent t-test and ROC curve.

Results: The mean of the right and left maximum femoral head diameters and the minimum width of the femoral neck were significantly higher in men than in women (p < 0.001). The mean of the right collo-diaphysial angle of the femur was significantly higher in men than in women (p = 0.01), but there was no significant difference between the left collo-diaphysial angle in the two sex. The accuracy of sex prediction with the right and left maximum femoral head diameter was 78%. This figure is 77% for the right and left minimum femoral neck widths and 59% for the right collo-diaphysial angle.

Conclusion: If only the proximal part of the femur is available, the sex can be predicted with a relatively high accuracy by taking a radiograph. In our study, the evaluation of the collo-diaphysial angle was not very helpful in sexing.

Keywords: Collo-diaphysial angle; Femoral head diameter; Femoral neck width; Femur; Forensic identification; Sexing.