Determination of Sex From Femur: Discriminant Analysis

The present study was conducted on 80 left femora (40 male and 40 female). Seven measurements of femur were taken. The mean values of all the seven measurements were significantly higher in males as compared to females (P<0.001) with univariate analysis. The most dimorphic single parameter on the basis of discriminant analysis was maximum diameter of head of femur with accuracy 72.5% in males and 85% in females. The second best variable according to stepwise discriminant analysis was maximum anteroposterior diameter of shaft with 67.5% accuracy in males and 80% accuracy in females. The combination of maximum diameter of head and maximum anteroposterior diameter of shaft provided better results with 82.5% accuracy in males and 92.5% accuracy in females.