Publication:

Anthropometric evaluation of the olecranon coronoid angle in the North Indian population for sex identification

Background The olecranon-coronoid angle, a significant anatomical parameter in the proximal ulna, is increasingly being studied as a potential indicator of biological sex in skeletal remains. This study investigated the morphometric variability of this angle in the north Indian population, aiming to establish its utility as a reliable sex indicator. The data thus obtained were tabulated, scrutinized, analyzed, and compared with the earlier studies wherever possible. By analyzing a sample of adult ulnae, the study provided insights into population-specific differences and their implications for forensic anthropology and bioarcheology. If any variant from the normal was observed, an attempt has been made to explain the same.

Methods A cross-sectional morphometric study was conducted on 100 dry, intact adult ulnae (right and left) of known sex. These 100 adult human ulnae were obtained from embalmed cadavers used for dissection in the Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Amritsar, and formed the material for the current study. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS.

Results In the study of 100 ulnae (M:F- 50:50), the olecranon coronoid angle was determined to be 22.56°±3.32 in males and 15.71°±4.39 in females.

Conclusions The olecranon-coronoid angle exhibits significant sexual dimorphism, and its measurement is helpful in reconstruction of elbow disorders observed after treatment of distal humerus fractures. The primary objective of applying anthropometric methods in anatomy and forensic medicine is to assist law enforcement agencies in establishing the personal identity of unknown human remains.