Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine

Determination of identity is one of the important concerns in forensic medicine, especially in neonatal age group. The purpose of present study is to evaluate sexual dimorphism of index and ring finger in neonates. The study was carried out on a cross sectional sample of 60 neonates out of which 30 were males and the remaining 30 were females. Data on age, sex and weight were collected. Statistically data was expressed as mean ± Standard deviation (± SD). Descriptive statistics and Students‘-test were used to analyze and determine the parameters studied in both male and female neonates. 2D:4D ratio was calculated on both hands of each individual. The relationship between the parameters studied was established using Pearson correlation to establish the strength of the relationship between the lengths of second and fourth digits (2D&4D), and the digit ratios. Statistical significance was accepted at P value less than 0.05 (P<0.05). The 2D:4D ratios were found higher in female neonates than male neonates and appear sexually dimorphic. The present study suggests that 2D:4D ratio of less than 0.93 suggests male neonate while a ratio of 0.93 or more suggests female neonate.