Determination of Sex From Femur in the Population of Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra

Determination of sex from single formula is difficult for different zone. For this reason we planned the study on the population of Vidarbha using femur to know the status.

140 femurs, (96 male, 44 females) were included in the study. Parameters used were diameters of head, weight and bicondylar angle. In head, recorded diameters were vertical, anteroposterior and mediolateral. By Demarking Points (DP), percentage of bones in males and females were calculated.

Using DP, with vertical diameter 41.66% right male and 68% of female and 66.66% male and 68% left female bones could be assigned sex. With anteroposterior diameter 73% male and 73% of female right and 75% of males and 54.54% female left could be identified. By mediolateral diameter 21% right males and 73% females and 6.25% of left male and 64% of left female bones could be sexed. With weight, 16.66% of right and 42.66% male and none of the female could be sexed. There was statistically significant difference in bicondylar angles of femur in males and females.

We conclude that anteroposterior diameter of the head of femur is the best criteria for sexual dimorphism in the studied population. Vertical diameter, transverse diameter, bicondylar angle and weight of the femur are also discriminate parameters in order of their accuracy.