Sex Estimation by Morphometric Analysis of the Intracranial Volume and Foramen Magnum on Three-Dimensional Volume Rendering Computed Tomography

Abstract

Purpose: Identification of decomposed human bodies and bone remains is very important in medicolegal examinations. The cranium has an important place in sex estimation due to its dimorphic features. Recent studies in this field have used radiological methods. The present study aimed to examine sexual dimorphism through morphometric analysis of the intracranial volume and Foramen Magnum on Three-Dimensional (3D) Volume Rendering Computed Tomography (CT) images. Material and methods: For this purpose, 3D images were generated after the reconstruction of CT Angiography scans of 87 female and 107 male cases. The length, width, circumference, area, and intracranial volume of the foramen magnum were measured on these 3D images. Results: All measurements except foramen magnum index were greater in males than in females (length of foramen magnum p=0.0001; breadth of foramen magnum p=0.0001; foramen magnum area p=0.0001; foramen magnum circumference p=0.0001). The single best sex-discriminatory measurement was intracranial volume, with an accuracy rate of 84.5%. The best sex-discriminatory parameter in foramen magnum measurements was the length of the foramen magnum, with a rate of 74.2%. Intracranial volume was positively correlated with all parameters in male except for the foramen magnum index (length p=0.000; breadth p=0.000; area p=0.000; circumference p=0.000; index p=0.747). Conclusion: Three-dimensional volume rendering CT images showed sexual dimorphism in the intracranial volume and foramen magnum. The use of radiological methods in forensic investigations may allow for examinations of decomposed human bodies without the need for maceration procedures. It may also help create databases by examining population-specific differences in today's societies. © 2025, Pamukkale University. All rights reserved.