Morphometric Assessment of Ischiopubic Index in Western U.P Population

Abstract

Background/aim: Population-specific data on the ischiopubic index in living populations remain limited, with most studies relying on dry bones rather than digital radiographic analysis using RadiAnt DICOM software. This study aimed to assess sexual dimorphism and evaluate the reliability and diagnostic accuracy of the ischiopubic index for sex determination in a living Western Uttar Pradesh population using pelvic radiographs.
Materials and Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study included 214 adults (118 males, 96 females; mean age 38.90 ± 12.15 years) referred for pelvis AP radiographs at Teerthanker Mahaveer Hospital, Moradabad, India. Gender differences were assessed using a t-test and a point-biserial correlation; age-group differences were assessed using ANOVA; and accuracy and the ROC curve were used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the Ischiopubic Index for gender determination.
Results: Mean IL, PL, and IPI were 8.02 ± 0.74 cm, 8.15 ± 0.65 cm, and 102.55 ± 12.14, respectively. Significant sexual dimorphism was observed (p < 0.001); males had greater IL (8.39 ± 0.64 cm), while females had greater PL (8.47 ± 0.64 cm) and IPI (112.45 ± 9.55). The IPI showed excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.941). No significant age-related differences were found (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The ischiopubic index demonstrated clear and highly significant sexual dimorphism with excellent diagnostic accuracy, making it a simple, reliable, non-invasive, and highly effective parameter for sex determination in the Western Uttar Pradesh population. This study provides valuable population-specific normative data on pelvic morphometry using digital radiography. The findings have important implications in forensic anthropology, medico-legal investigations, anatomical research, and clinical radiology practice.