Greater sciatic notch in sex differentiation in Nigerian skeletal samples

Abstract

A total of 150 X-ray films (A-P view) of the pelvis of adult (90 male and 60 female) Nigerians were used to measure the width, depth, posterior segment, total and posterior angles of the greater sciatic notch. Index 1 was calculated by dividing the greatest depth OC by the greatest width AB and multiplying by 100. Index 2 was calculated by diving the posterior segment OB by the greatest width (AB) and multiplying by 100. These indices were used to study the sex differences in the hip bones of these Nigerians. Demarking points of these parameters and indices were worked out to determine sex. The width, depth, total angle and index 1 were insignificant in sex determination. Posterior angle and index 2 were found to be the most useful assigning sex to 74.5% of the male and 90% of the female bones.