An anthropometric investigation into the probable cause of formation of ‘Carrying Angle’: A sex indicator Dr. Purkait Ruma1, Senior Lecturer, Dr. Chandra Heeresh2, Founder & Former Director 1Department of Anthropology, Saugor University, Saugor 2Medicolegal Institute, Bhopal, M.P. Tables & Figures (Reprinted with permission from the Journal of Forensic Sciences, Vol. 46, No. 4, Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428) Abstract In the living the ‘Carrying angle’ measures around 173 degrees in males and 167 degrees in females. The cause of its formation is a long debated issue. The present study is an attempt to identify by anthropometric means the sexually dimorphic features in the bones of the elbow joint which makes the ‘Carrying angle’ a sex indicator. The distal end of the humerus and the proximal end of ulna playing major role in the formation of ‘Carrying angle’ have been examined for sex difference. The two measurements of the humerus (Trochlear angle and Inclination angle of Olecranon fossa) and three measurements of the ulna (Olecranon - coronoid angle, length and width of inferior medial trochlear notch) were devised for the study. Though the humeral angles failed to show any sex difference, the angle and dimensions of ulna exhibited statistically significant result. Could these parameters be the cause of sex differences the ‘Carrying angle’ exhibits at the elbow joint? Top Key words ‘Carrying angle’, sexual dimorphism, humerus, ulna. Top |