BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to establish a sample group of Turkish population to determine sex from the sternal end of the ribs. Sex determination from the human skeleton bones is a simple and specific method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specimens consisted of right fourth (4th) ribs of 78 females and 173 males of known age, sex and race during 1994-1997 in Izmir, Turkey. A discriminant function analysis showed that the most helpful parameter in the young group was superior-inferior height (SIH), and both SIH and anterior-posterior breadth (APB) in the older group. Modified discriminant score formulae for both young and old groups to determine sex for Turkish population was calculated. RESULTS: The results indicated that the accuracy of sex determination was 88.6% in the young group (phase 1-4, age 15-32), 86.5% in the older group (phase 5-8, age 33-89). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that sexual dimorphism can be assessable by using a single rib, right fourth rib in a Turkish population from ages 13 to 89. SIH of the rib is the most reliable parameter; APB follows it.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to establish a sample group of Turkish population to determine sex from the sternal end of the ribs. Sex determination from the human skeleton bones is a simple and specific method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specimens consisted of right fourth (4th) ribs of 78 females and 173 males of known age, sex and race during 1994-1997 in Izmir, Turkey. A discriminant function analysis showed that the most helpful parameter in the young group was superior-inferior height (SIH), and both SIH and anterior-posterior breadth (APB) in the older group. Modified discriminant score formulae for both young and old groups to determine sex for Turkish population was calculated. RESULTS: The results indicated that the accuracy of sex determination was 88.6% in the young group (phase 1-4, age 15-32), 86.5% in the older group (phase 5-8, age 33-89). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that sexual dimorphism can be assessable by using a single rib, right fourth rib in a Turkish population from ages 13 to 89. SIH of the rib is the most reliable parameter; APB follows it.