A study the sexual dimorphism of a dry human sacral vertebra.

Abstract

Background: The sacrum connects to four bones: the final lumbar vertebra above via a disc space and facet joint complex, the coccyx below via a ligamentous connection and occasional bone union, and the ilium on either side via the sacroiliac joint. Aim and Objectives: To study different parameters of the sacral vertebra for sexual dimorphism. Material and Methods: The shape, apex, and base of the sacral hiatus will be noted with the help of a Sliding vernier caliper, Divider, Steel Measuring Scale, and flexible ribbon tape. Results: the depth of the sacral curvature was likewise greater. Men had 11.8 percent larger sacral curvature depths at each segmental articulation than women. Conclusion: This study provides indications that the sacra are important bones for sex estimation and they could be effectively used as alternatives in forensic cases when the skull and pelvis are unavailable.  This study may be useful for forensic estimation of the stature of individuals, particularly in cases where better predictors such as the long bones are not available.