Sex Determination from Metacarpals and the First Proximal Phalanx

Abstract

Sex determination using metacarpals and the first proximal phalanx was carried out on a sample (n = 60) of documented sex. Six measurements were taken on each of metacarpals 1 to 5 and the first proximal phalanx. Regression equations were calculated for determining sex from the bones. The equations were then applied to a second sample (n = 20) also of documented sex to establish the degree of accuracy they produced in assigning sex. The equations for metacarpal 1 produced the highest degree of correct sex determination and overall the degree of accuracy ranged from 74% to 94%.