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Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology

Volume  17, Issue 3, July- September 2024, Pages 185-189
 

Original Article

Determination of Sex Using Mastoid Process

Vishnu Prasad1, Thumma Amar2, Vedarethinam3, Vijayakumar Nair G4, Shilpa T Patil

1,3Junior Resident, 2Assistant Professor, 4Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Vinayaka Mission’s Medical College, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed to be university), Karaikal 609609, Pondicherry, 5Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Vinayaka Mission’s Medical College, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed to be university), Karaikal 609609, Pondicherry, India.
 

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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijfmp.0974.3383.17324.5

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.


Keywords : Anthropometry; Sexual dimorphism; Mastoid length.
Corresponding Author : Thumma Amar,