Rhomboid fossa and mid shaft circumference of the clavicle - anthropological study in North Karnataka population

Abstract

The rhomboid fossa of clavicle was studied globally by forensic experts and anthropologists to determine the age and sex. This study was done on samples of human clavicles from North Karnataka of South India to determine the sexual dimorphism which is of anthropological, forensic and clinical importance. In this study mid shaft circumference, morphology of rhomboid fossa of clavicle was analysed. The incidences of rhomboid fossa of depressed and elevated types are seen more in males and smooth and flat types are seen mainly in female clavicles. This study also showed relative degree of sexual dimorphism in the mid shaft circumference of male and female clavicles. Since morphology of rhomboid fossa and mid shaft circumference of clavicles are significantly associated with sex, these results can be correlated with further molecular studies. These results may be used as indicators to determine sex in anthropology and forensic science to aid identification of isolated bone specimens.

Keywords

forensic science - rhomboid fossa - morphology of clavicle - anthropology - sexual dimorphism

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