2nd and 7th cervical vertebrae indices using multislice computed tomography as a diagnostic tool in differentiation of sex and age in an Egyptian sample, Menoufia governorate

Abstract

Introduction: Age and sex estimations play a vital role in establishing an individual's identity. Identification depending on Computed Topographies (CT) of vertebrae have become increasingly important in the forensic field, as vertebrae are most commonly present at a death scene. The second (C2) and seven (C7) cervical vertebrae have a unique morphology making them easily identifiable in a disarticulated skeleton. Aim of the study: The study aims to investigate the role of both C2 and C7 vertebrae as a diagnostic tool in the estimation of age and sex among Menoufia population. Methodology: The study was carried out on 102 cases from Menoufia population; 51 males and 51 females, with age ranging from 12-70 years. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to WHO age classification with some modifications. The persons included in this study were patients who came for Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the neck for any medical reason in the Radiology Department of Menoufia University and the CT was done for them after giving written informed consent. The cases with pathological conditions and/or with prominent degenerative changes were excluded from this study. The multi -slice computed tomography (MSCT) measurements of the different indices of C2 (15 indices) and C7 (11 indices) in the studied participants were taken. Results: Males were higher C2 and C7 vertebrae measurements than females in all measurements. This difference was statistically significant in 13 indices of C2 and 9 indices of C7 vertebrae. Density indices of both C2 and C7 vertebrae were independent predictors for sex with accuracy rate 83% and 88% respectively. Also, there was significant positive relation between age and almost all the metric indices of C2 and C7 vertebrae. Conclusion: MSCT of C2 and C7 vertebrae measurements can be used to identify both the sex and age of unknown individuals; however, further studies with larger sample of population from different Egyptian districts are recommended.C2 and C7 vertebrae measurements