Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

  • Year: 2019
  • Volume: 13
  • Issue: 3

Predicting Sex from the Linear Measurements of Mastoid Process: A Preliminary Study in Skulls of Eastern Indian Population

1Post-Graduate Trainee, Department of Forensic Medicine, Burdwan Medical College, Purba Barddhaman, West Bengal

2Professor & Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, Burdwan Medical College, Purba Barddhaman, West Bengal

*Corresponding author: Prof (Dr). Parthapratim Mukhopadhyay, Head of Department. Department of Forensic Medicine, Burdwan Medical College, Purba Barddhaman, West Bengal. PIN-713104, Email: drpartha99md@gmail.com, Mob.: 9832095653

Online published on 17 July, 2019.

Abstract

Assessment of skeletal remains for sex determination is required in forensic research. This study was designed to use the linear dimensions of the mastoid region to predict sex from skulls of Eastern Indian population.

A sample of 66 Adult fully ossified skulls was used in this investigation. In this population specific study, we derived an equation from Discriminant Function Analysis and applied the sectioning point to determine sex.

Overall 90.9% of the sample was correctly classified into their group by this model. At the individual group level, 85.7% of females and 93.3% of male were correctly classified.

This is a reliable method to easily determine sex from skull using the mastoid dimensions in a population specific sample.

Keywords

Forensic Anthropology, Mastoid, sex, discriminant function analysis, Eastern India