Indian Journal of Clinical Anatomy and Physiology

Page: 127-135

Introduction: Forensic Anatomy plays a crucial role in identifications of unknown gender using hand dimensions as a key aspect in the medico-legal field. However, complications arise in cases where the body is dismembered or mutilated.

Aim & Objectives: Present study aims to derive cut off points for Hand length (HL), breadth (HB) and Hand index (HI) to differentiate accuracy in gender prediction with these parameters.

Materials and Methods: Values of HL, HB & HI were measures using standard vernier callipers (up to nearest 0.1 cm) among 82 (50 female and 32 males) willing participants (MBBS Batch 2023 – 100 students, with age group between 17-22 years) of Late Shri Lakhiram Agrawal Memorial Government Medical College Raigarh Chhattisgarh. Cut off point (sectioning point) and sexual dimorphism were calculated. The dimension between sexes were compared by independent sample t-test, and the level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: Accuracy to differentiate sex are RHL – male /female is 84.38% / 86%, LHL – male/ female is 87.5% / 90%, RHB – male / female is 84.38% / 84%, LHB – male /female is 87.5% / 86%, RHI – male /female is 53.12% /48% and LHI – male / female 56.3% / 56% respectively.

Conclusion: The present manuscript investigates the measurements of hand length, hand breadth, hand index and finally concluded presence of sexual dimorphism based upon anthropometric variables. The variables may be considered suitable for identification of gender, even in cases wherein isolated hand have been obtained.