Ein Beitrag zur metrischen Geschlechtsdiagnose verbrannter und unverbrannter menschlicher Knochenreste?ausgearbeitet an der Pars petrosa ossis temporalis

Abstract

A new method for sex diagnosis is presented; the uni-, di-, and multivariate analysis of the Pars petrosa, which is a part of the temporal bone. This work was initiated because the Pars petrosa can be found very often among human cremation remains. Two different discriminant functions were worked out, and their comparison shows the great value of considering all the characteristics. Consideration of three measurements can give a sex determination of remarkable accuracy (about 80%). Even the uni- and divariate examinations yield important leads. The last part of this work deals with the possibility of applying the method to cremated bones. The most important point to consider is the shrinking of burnt bones. Appropriate new mean values of the first three measurements and an adapted sectioning point are given. Yet, even without shrinkage-correction the functions possess great reliability in the application on cremated material.

Lateral angle: A method for sexing using the petrous bone

“…The method was mainly developed by Wahl (1981), and was since addressed by others (Schutkowski, 1983;Albrecht, 1997;Graw et al, 1998;Forschner, 2001). However, these authors mainly published in German, with the result that the lateral angle method is not well-known in the international physical anthropological community (Graw et al, 2003).…”

“…Research on the potential use of petrous bone morphology for sex determination has mainly concentrated on multivariate, osteometric evaluations (Henke and Wahl, 1980;Wahl, 1981;Kalmey and Rathbun, 1996;Graw et al, 1998;Wahl and Graw, 2001). Compared to these methods, lateral angle size is an uncomplicated method based on one single variable (Graw et al, 2003).…”

“…The most proximal part of the canal, and thereby the meatus or opening, was reported by Wahl (1981) to exhibit sexual dimorphism in the angle at which the canal opens up to the surface of the petrous bone. Wahl (1981) quantified this angle by filling up the proximal part of the canal with clay, and measuring the angle displayed by the cast in relation to the bone surrounding the opening. Wahl (1981) defined this angle as the lateral angle.…”

“…The method was primarily developed by Wahl (1981), but little has been written internationally on this method (Graw et al, 2003). The method is based on the medial opening of the internal acoustic canal in the petrous bone of the skull (Fig.…”

“…Wahl (1981) quantified this angle by filling up the proximal part of the canal with clay, and measuring the angle displayed by the cast in relation to the bone surrounding the opening. Wahl (1981) defined this angle as the lateral angle. The lateral angle may be viewed as the angle which is formed in the cast between the material which has filled the canal and the material which lies against the surface of the petrous bone ( Fig.…”