Estimation of sex from scapular measurements using chest CT in Egyptian population sample

• Chest CTs were used to measure both the transverse and longitudinal length of the scapula.
• Sexual dimorphism was found for both transverse and longitudinal length.
• Discriminant function equation can be used in estimation of sex from these measures.
• Scapular measurments gave an accuracy of 87% in estimation of male sex and 95% in female sex.

ObjectivesSex is one of the most important aspects of a biological profile. Scapula is a short, flat bone that has not been given the same focus as other bones in anthropological studies to date. This research examined the use of scapular measurements obtained from chest CT to develop discriminant function equations specific for Egyptian population.Materials and methodsLongitudinal (LL) and transverse scapular lengths (TL) were taken from 200 chest CTs (100 of each sex). Descriptive statistics and discriminant function analysis were developed for both dimensions.Results and conclusion: When both dimensions were used in estimation of sex, this gave an accuracy of 87% in male and 95% in female with overall accuracy 91% in the estimation of both male and female sexes. When one dimension only was used, the TL was better than the LL in determining the sex. Thus, the discriminant function equation could be used in the estimation of sex from these measures and the scapula can play an important role in the estimation of sex. In addition, an equation specific to Egyptian population has been developed.