Sex estimation using post-mortem computed tomographic images of the clavicle in a Malaysian population

Forensic practitioners need contemporary anthropological data for the identification of human remains. The clavicle possesses a high degree of variability in its anatomical, biomechanical, and morphological features that are sex-dependent albeit population specific. The aim of this study was to develop sex estimation models for Malaysian individuals using post-mortem computed tomographic images of the clavicle. Sample comprised scans of 2.0 mm resolution of 405 individuals (209 male; 196 female) aged between 19 to 88 years. These scans were reconstructed and visualized using Infinitt. Six clavicular measurements (i.e. maximum length, C1; midshaft circumference, C2; midshaft maximum diameter, C3; midshaft minimum diameter, C4; maximum breadth of the sternal end, C5; and maximum breadth of the acromial articular surface, C6) were obtained from these images. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and discriminant function analysis. Measurements taken from the images were highly precise (ICC = 0.770-0.999). There is a significant difference between all parameters and sex (p