Assessment of the reliability and validity of some anthropometric dimensions at the distal epiphyseal ends of radius and ulna for gender identification using Magnetic Resonance Imaging among a sample of the Egyptian population - A retrospective study

Abstract

Introduction: Personal identification relies on sex identification. Anthropometric measurements are known to be reliable for sex identification in forensic cases. MRI has recently emerged as the preferred method for determining anthropometric measurements. The proximal ends and shafts of the radius and ulna are both sexually dimorphic. However, research on the utility of their distal ends for sex determination is limited. Aim: To assess the reliability and validity of some anthropometric dimensions at the distal epiphyseal ends of radius and ulna for sex identification using Magnetic Resonance Imaging among a sample of the Egyptian population to adopt this method for sex identification in forensic practices. Methodology: This cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted on 200 subjects (100 males and 100 females) using archived MRI films. Four dimensions were measured: the radial distal end width, radial height, ulnar distal end width, and ulnar styloid process length. The data was statistically analysed. Results: The tested dimensions were found to be reliable and valid in sex discrimination with accuracy up to 87.5% for radial dimensions and up to 83.5% for ulnar dimensions. Conclusion:The study demonstrated the high accuracy of the distal epiphyseal ends of the radius and ulna in identifying sex.