Accuracy of sex estimation by morphometric evaluation of foramen magnum using computed tomography – a systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Forensic science, medicine, and pathology medicine, and pathology, 2024-03, Vol.20 (1), p.268-279
• Main Authors: Fernandes, Anabelle Louise Veiga Coutinho, Shetti, Arvind, Lagali-Jirge, Vasanti, Keluskar, Vaishali
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Criminology and Criminal Justice; Female; Foramen Magnum - anatomy & histology; Foramen Magnum - diagnostic imaging; Forensic Anthropology - methods; Forensic Medicine; Humans; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Pathology; Review; Sex Determination by Skeleton - methods; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 1556-2891; 1556-2891
• DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00613-6

The objective of this study is to determine whether the morphometric evaluation of the foramen magnum using computed tomography can be used as an accurate tool in estimating the sex of an individual. An extensive search of the databases, PubMed, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Scopus, was carried out to procure articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The AQUA tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. A random effects model was used for the meta-analysis of the eligible studies using the STATA software, version 16, 2019 at 95% CI and p  ≤ 0.05. Eleven eligible articles that measured the transverse and sagittal diameters of the foramen magnum using computed tomography were included in this study. The sagittal diameter of the foramen magnum was greater than the transverse diameter, and both the diameters were greater in males than in females. Meta-analysis revealed that both transverse and sagittal diameters were more reliable for male sex estimation. Since there is a dimensional variation between the male and female foramen magnum, it can be used for initial sex identification and also as an auxiliary to other advanced methods of sex estimation.