Gender Differences in Foramen Magnum Breadth: A Radiological Study Using CT Scans at Sawai Man Singh Hospital Jaipur during Period of Year 2023-24

Abstract

Background: Sex estimation is a fundamental component of forensic anthropology, particularly
crucial in scenarios involving fragmented or decomposed remains. While the pelvis remains the
most accurate skeletal element for this purpose, it is often unavailable. In such cases, the skull,
and more specifically the foramen magnum (FM), offers a reliable alternative. Located in the
occipital bone, the FM serves as a stable anatomical landmark and its morphometric parameters
especially breadth are known to exhibit sexual dimorphism. However, population-specific data
are essential for accurate forensic applications due to regional skeletal variability.
Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the breadth of the foramen magnum between males
and females using computed tomography (CT) scans and assess its utility in sex determination
within the Rajasthan population.