Anthropometric Analysis of the Greater Sciatic Notch: A Radiographic Study

Abstract

The pelvis is a sexually dimorphic bone due to hormonal effects that facilitate its adaptation for parturition in females. This study aimed at  determining the radiographic morphometry of the greater sciatic notch (GSN) in a selected Nigerian population. ATertiary health facility  in Delta State Nigeria provided permission to access its radiological database for the pelvic radiographs retrospectively examined in this  cross-sectional study. The GSN of 300 patients (154 males and 146 females) were identified and the following measurements taken using  digital callipers and protractors; width, depth, posterior segment, total and posterior angles. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version  22 summarised the data in means and further assessed the gender, side and age differences. The association between variables was tested  using the Pearson's correlation test. Inferential statistics were deemed significant at p<5%. All variables except the depth and posterior  angle were sexually dimorphic (p<0.05). The width and posterior angle varied significantly across the age-groups. All variables except the  width were asymmetrical (p<0.05). All the GSN measurements lacked significant correlation with age (p>0.05). The normative values for  GSN dimensions in the study population have been provided. Their sexual dimorphism highlights their utility in sex determination of  unknown human remains.