Sex estimation of the scapula using 3D imaging in a modern Turkish population

Er, Ali; Ünlütürk, Özge; Bozdağ, Mustafa; Basa, Can Doruk; Kaçmaz, İsmail Eralp; Oztop, Burak; Cetinsel, Emine; Kranioti, Elena F.; Ekizoğlu, Oğuzhan

doi:10.1007/s00194-020-00393-1

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…Our results could help inform discriminative models for sex classification in forensic analysis. In the absence of intact cranial and pelvic skeletal remains (Mays and Cox, 2000), the scapula is considered a feasible alternative for classifying an individual’s sex (Er et al, 2020). Consistent with previous studies, we found that the male scapula is disproportionately larger than the female scapula, confirming that models based on absolute (unscaled) linear metrics can take advantage of both sexual dimorphism in size and shape to improve classification accuracy.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The multi-factorial sources of scapular shape variation are unclear; however, previous work has revealed significant differences in scapular shape between males and females (Maranho et al, 2022; Scholtz et al, 2010; Zdilla and Guzmán-López, 2023). Understanding sexual dimorphism in scapular morphology is important for contextualizing scapula features that are correlated with injury risk (Lee et al, 2020), developing personalized treatments, identifying relevant shape traits for classifying sex in forensic analyses (Atamtürk et al, 2019; Dabbs and Moore-Jansen, 2010; Di Vella et al, 1994; Er et al, 2020; Peckmann et al, 2016), and providing insights into the role of sexual selection in human evolution (Puts, 2010).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sexual dimorphism and allometry in human scapular morphology

Lee,

Lawrence,

Rainbow

2024

Preprint

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Scapular morphology is highly variable across the human population and appears to be sexually dimorphic – differing significantly between males and females. However, previous investigations of sexual dimorphism in scapula shape have not considered the effects of allometry (the relationship between size and shape). Disentangling allometry from sexual dimorphism is necessary because apparent sex-based differences in morphology could be due to inherent differences in body size. This study aimed to investigate sexual dimorphism in scapula shape and examine the role of allometry in sex-based variation. We used three-dimensional geometric morphometrics with Procrustes ANOVA to quantify scapula shape variation associated with sex and size in 125 scapulae. Scapular morphology significantly differed between males and females, and males tended to have larger scapulae than females for the same body height. We found that males and females exhibited distinct allometric relationships, and sexually dimorphic shape changes did not align with male- or female-specific allometry. A secondary test revealed that sexual dimorphism in scapula shape persisted between males and females of similar body heights. Overall, our findings indicate that sex-based differences in scapular shape are independent of size-shape relationships. Our results shed light on the potential role of sexual selection in human shoulder evolution, present new hypotheses for biomechanical differences in shoulder function between sexes, and identify relevant traits for improving sex classification accuracy in forensic analyses.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexual dimorphism and allometry in human scapular morphology

Lee,

Lawrence,

Rainbow

2024

Preprint

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“…The Turkish population has been studied for sex estimation and presented different levels of correct classification using the skulls of 400 individuals (77%-89%) [51], sternums of 443 individuals (56.4%-86.1%) [52], scapulas of 152 individuals (74.3%-96.1%) [38], tibias of 203 individuals (77.8%-84.7%) [36], calcaneus of 428 individuals (89.9%-100%) [53], and clavicles of 152 individuals (75%-89%). Gulhan et al [54] conducted a sex estimation CT study on 200 modern adult Turkish individuals by applying 13 parameters collected from the femur.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Further virtual studies on Purkait’s method [ 11 ] should be performed to obtain more data and draw appropriate conclusions. Furthermore, other issues, such as the segmentation protocol as a possible source of bias, might be taken into consideration in future observer error testing [ 37 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sex estimation in a Turkish population using Purkait’s triangle: a virtual approach by 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT)

García-Donas

Örs

İnci

et al. 2021

Forensic Sciences Research

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Sex estimation is considered one of the first steps in the forensic identification process. Morphological and morphometrical differences between males and females have been used as means for morphoscopic and metric methods on both cranial and postcranial skeletal elements. When dry skeletal elements are not available, virtual data can be used as a substitute. The present research explores 3-dimensional (3D) scans from a Turkish population to test a sex estimation method developed by Purkait (2005). Overall, 296 individuals were used in this study (158 males and 138 females). Purkait's triangle parameters were measured on computed tomography (CT) scans obtained from both right and left femora of each patient at the Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training Research Hospital (Istanbul, Turkey). Intra-and inter-observer errors were assessed for all variables through technical error of measurements analysis. Bilateral asymmetry and sex differences were evaluated using parametric and non-parametric statistical approaches. Univariate and multivariate discriminant function analyses were then conducted. Observer errors demonstrated an overall agreement within and between experts, as indicated by technical error of measurement (TEM) results. No bilateral asymmetries were reported, and all parameters demonstrated a statistically significant difference between males and females. Fourteen discriminant models were generated by applying single and combined parameters, producing a total correct sex classification ranging from 78.4% to 92.6%. In addition, over 67% of the total sample was accurately classified, with 95% or greater posterior probabilities. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of 3D sex estimation using Purkait's triangle on a Turkish population, with accuracy rates comparable to those reported in other populations. This is the first attempt to apply this method on virtual data and although further validation and standardisation are recommended for its application on dry bone, this research constitutes a significant contribution to the development of population-specific standards when only virtual data are available. KEY POINTS• CT analysis using Purkait's triangle is a suitable tool for assessment of sex in unidentified individuals. • The best overall estimation rate was achieved with the F11 model, with around 92% of accuracy. • The results suggested 78.4% to 92.6% correct sex identification rates.• More research is needed to expand the sample set and verify the results.

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