Sex Determination from Hand Dimensions in Indian Population

Determination of sex from extremities plays an important role in identifying the deceased in forensic examinations. The dimensions of the hand have been used for the determination of sex, age and stature of an individual. The purpose of the present study was to determine sex by hand dimensions among 200 South Indian and North Indian subjects. Statistical analysis indicated that bilateral variations were insignificant for all measurements. The average hand length and breadth were found to be about 1 cm greater in males as compared to females. Hand index was calculated and has been used for the determination of sex. Hand index more than 42 was suggestive of males and less than 42 is that of females. These differences were insignificant when values were compared between subjects of the same sex in South Indian and North Indians.