PMCT-based sex determination using posterior segment of greater sciatic notch in North Indian population

Abstract

Digital tools, which offer superior accuracy compared to manual metrics, utilize radiological images for noninvasive data collection, providing a convenient means of obtaining skeletal data. The greater sciatic notch exhibits high sexual dimorphism and resistance to damage, and therefore serves as a viable tool for sex determination in poorly preserved skeletons, particularly in scenarios involving mass disasters, highly putrefied, and skeletonized cases. In addition to the width and depth of the greater sciatic notch, the length and angle of the posterior segment are highly specific parameters. This study aims to obtain accurate and standardized values for determining sex by measuring the posterior segment of the greater sciatic notch using postmortem computed tomography with a 16-slice multidetector row computed tomography scanner. The study revealed that except for depth and the distance between the ischial spine and deepest point, all measured variables of the greater sciatic notch were greater for women than men on both sides. The length of the posterior segment and the posterior angle on both sides showed the highest positive correlation and provided highly significant differences between males and females. These findings not only reinforce the utility of the greater sciatic notch in sex determination but also highlight the potential for more accurate and noninvasive methods in forensic investigations. Postmortem computed tomography accurately determines sex by measuring the posterior sciatic notch segment, achieving a 90.9% accuracy rate. This study, the first of its kind in India, utilized postmortem computed tomography ruler measurements for sex determination, specifically evaluating the role of the posterior segment dimensions of the greater sciatic notch in the North Indian population.