Sex Determination from Fourth Rib by Osteometric Analysis

There have been several studies showing that the sternal extremity of the fourth rib can be used in estimating age as well as in determining sex. An osteometric study of sexual dimorphism in the sternal ends of the fourth rib was collected from 266 (200 males and 66 females) individuals autopsied of known age, sex, and race was conducted in New Delhi, India. The height and width of the sternal end of the rib were measured with a calliper in each case. The sample was analyzed in three groups: young (phase 1-4), old (phase 4-7), and total sample (phase 1-7).
Results: The results indicated that the accuracy of sex determination was 84.7% in the young group (phase 1–4, age 15–32), 86.4% in the older group (phase 4–8, age 33–89).
Conclusion: It is important to note that sexual dimorphism can be assessable by using a single fourth rib in a Indian population from ages 14 to 85. SIH of the rib is the most reliable parameter; APB follows it.