Sex Estimation with Patella Measurements from CT Images

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate sex-based differences in an adult Turkish sample by measuring patellar bone size in an adult Turkish sample. Material and Method: Patella height, width, and depth were measured in cases who underwent knee computed tomography (CT) at Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Training and Research Hospital between 2013 and 2023. A total of 102 cases were evaluated. Patellar dimensions, including the heights, widths, and depths of the cases were measured for each case. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.00. Results: A total of 102 cases including 62 males and 40 females were analyzed in the study. Patella height, width, and modified depth parameters were found to be significantly higher in males (p<0.001). However, since the depth does not affect the accuracy of sex estimation, only the height and width parameters were used for the analysis. For the male sex prediction, 86.7% sensitivity, 71.1% specificity, and 80.6% accuracy rates were obtained with the analysis using height and width parameters. The following discriminant formula was established: “Sex=1.504xHeight + 1.867xWidth-14.218”. Separate models were also developed using height and width parameters. When using only height parameters, male sex was predicted with 80% sensitivity, 73.7% specificity, and 77.6% accuracy. The discriminant formula was formulated as follows: “Sex=2.925xHeight-11.992”. Ehen using only the width parameters, the male sex was predicted with 88.7% sensitivity, 75% specificity, and 83.3% accuracy. The discriminant formula was established as: “Sex=2.987xWidth-12.900”. The depth parameters provided 85.5% sensitivity, 52.5% specificity, and 72.5% accuracy with male sex. The formula “Sex=2.925xHeight-11.992” was developed. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated sex dimorphism in the patellar bone within the Turkish population, with males showing significantly larger patellae than females. An accuracy rate of 80.6% was achieved using all patellar measurements. The findings suggest that the patella may serve as a valuable supplementary tool when used alongside other anthropological methods, enhancing the accuracy and reliability in sex estimation.

Keywords

• Forensic medicine
• forensic anthropology
• identification
• sex estimation
• patellar bone
• computed tomography

Kaynakça

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