Computed Tomography-Based 3D Analysis of the Sternum for Forensic Age and Sex Estimation in the South Sulawesi Population

Abstract

Background: Forensic anthropology relies on skeletal analysis to establish a biological profile in medicolegal cases, including age and sex estimation. While the skull and pelvis are considered the most reliable indicators, they are not always available due to fragmentation or postmortem changes. The sternum, being centrally located and relatively resistant to damage, offers an alternative skeletal element for forensic identification. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted using 200 thoracic CT scans from Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo General Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia. The samples consisted of 100 males and 100 females, distributed across four age categories. Morphometric parameters measured included Manubrium Length (ML), Manubrium Width (MW), Corpus Length (CL), Manubriocorpus Length (MCL), Corpus Width 1 (CW1), Corpus Width 2 (CW2), and the Sternal Index (SI). Statistical analyses were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, followed by multivariate modeling to assess age- and sex-related differences. Results: Significant sexual dimorphism was observed, with males showing larger sternum dimensions compared to females, except for SI, which was higher in females. Age-related changes were evident, with sternal dimensions increasing until early adulthood before plateauing. Minimal ethnic variation was found, with notable differences limited to CL among young adult Toraja males. Conclusion: Three-dimensional CT-based sternal morphometry provides reliable markers for age and sex estimation, supporting its role as a complementary tool in forensic anthropology, particularly when traditional skeletal elements are unavailable.

Access to Document

Other files and links

• Link to publication in Scopus
• Open Access Version Available

Fingerprint