Determination of sex from hand dimensions and index/ring finger length ratio in Upper Egyptians

Abstract

Identification of human remains is an imperative element of any medicolegal investigation, and a challenging task for forensic experts and physical anthropologists worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine sex (male/female) by hand dimensions and index and ring finger length ratio in Upper Egyptians. Five hundred students (250 males and 250 females) above age 18 years were examined. Hand length, breadth and hand index (breadth divided by length × 100), as well as index and ring finger ratio were estimated. The average hand length was found to be about 1.3 cm greater in males than females. Hand index ⩽40.55 is suggestive of females and >40.55 is suggestive of males. The index and ring finger ratio is found to be higher in females. Index and ring finger ratio ⩽0.976 is suggestive of males, and ratio >0.976 is suggestive of females. This study may prove useful to determine the sex of an isolated hand when it is subjected for medicolegal examination.