Abstract

Background: Anthropometric studies of bones play a crucial role in establishing identification, especially in fragmented skeletal remains. Mastoid process is acone shaped bony protuberance extending from mastoid region of temporal bone of the skull. It is usually undamaged, because of its unique and secured position. The present study is aimed at evaluating the usefulness of the mastoid length in gender identification. Material and Methods: 54 dried, and unharmed skulls of identified sex were employed in the study. Out of which 28 were male, 26 were female. The mastoid process length was measured on either side by using a Vernier calliper from Frankfurt’s plane. Results: In male skulls, the mean mastoid length was 29.5 ± 3.65 mm, while in female skulls, it was 24.6 ± 3.55 mm. A statistical analysis indicated that the mastoid length for determining sex has a highly significant p value of less than 0.0001. Conclusion: The mean mastoid length is significantly less in females than in males. Therefore, it can be considered as a sexual dimorphic feature and is useful in determining sex from fragmented skull.

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