Gender determination of an individual by scapula using multi detector computed tomography scan in Dakshina Kannada population-A forensic study

Introduction: Gender is the most vital segment of the biological characteristics which can be evaluated from the skeleton because of the marked sexual dimorphism of bone segments. The bone examined in present study is scapula. Multi Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) scan was used to study the scapula which provides 3D volume rendering images with good measurement accuracy. Aim: To determine the gender of an individual by scapula using MDCT scan in Dakshina Kannada population. Materials and Methods: Bilateral scapular images (right and left) were acquired from 186 patients (93 males and 93 females) and different parameters {Longitudinal Scapular Length (LSL), Transverse Scapular Length (TSL), Oblique Scapular Length (OSL)} were measured and evaluated. Mean and standard deviation of both scapular measurements were calculated and compared. The data were analysed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and discriminant function analysis. Results: Scapular measurements showed statistically significant difference between two mean vector groups i.e., female and male groups (p<0.001). Transverse left scapula contributed much separation with highest accuracy compare to other measurements. The final result of discriminative analysis showed the ability of the scapula to identify gender with an overall accuracy of 93.5%. Conclusion: In the present study transverse left scapular length contributed much separation with highest accuracy compared to other measurements. Scapular estimations can be useful to determine gender in Dakshina Kannada Population.