Linear Distances in Brazilian Human Dry Skulls for Sex Estimation / Distâncias Lineares Em Crânios Secos Humanos Brasileiros Para Estimativa De Sexo

Abstract

Background: In order to establish an identity under dispute, sex estimation is one of the main pieces of information to be investigated when dealing with unknown human remains. The aim of the study is investigate the applicability of linear quantitative methods in Brazilian skulls to estimate sex. Methods and findings: This is a blind, cross-sectional, quantitative study. The sample consisted of 427 adult dry human skulls belonging to the Forensic Anthropology Study Center (CEAF/FOP/UPE). Using a digital caliper, three linear measurements were made: from the right zygomatic orbital point to the left zygomatic orbital point (RZOP-LZOP); right infraorbital point to the left infraorbital point (RIOP-LIOP); and distance between the lower points of the mastoid processes, right and left (RPIM-LPIM). The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using the IBM SPSS software. Results: The RZOP-LZOP and RPIM-LPIM distances presented a higher median for men (99.69 mm and 105.92 mm, respectively). The RIOP-LIOP distance had a higher median in women (58.57 mm). All measurements were statistically dimorphic for sex (p<0.001). Conclusion: The linear distances RZOP-LZOP, RIOP-LIOP and RPIM-LPIM are methodologies capable of estimating sex in this studied sample.