Background: The determination of sex and estimation of age are parameters that help in the identification of individuals in all fields of forensic science. The aim of this study was to calculate standard measurements according to sex and age in morphometric analysis of the 4th costa using multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT).
Material and Method: Measurements were taken on MSCT images of patients aged 20-70 years, who had undergone CT imaging for various reasons. Using the morphometric characteristics of the 4th costa and junction with the spine on the thorax CT images, measurements were taken of the angulation of the right and left 4th costa, the distance between the sternum and the vertebra, the distance between the two costae, the distance between the two ends of the right and left 4th costa separately, and the depth of the two costae. Adding age and gender to these variables, 10 parameters were evaluated in total.
Results: As a result of the analyses, the mean values of right costovertebral angle, sternum-vertebra distance, inter-costal distance, left and right costa lengths, and left costa depth were found to be statistically significant according to sex. In the differentiation of age groups, the right costovertebral angle, the sternum- vertebra distance, and the right and left costa lengths were found to be statistically significant.
Conclusion: The results of this study of a Turkish population showed that the morphometric properties of the 4th costa show differences in the determination of age and sex. With the benefit of these differences, it is possible to differentiate males and females, and even age groups. As there are societal differences, standard morphometric values have to be determined so it will be necessary to conduct these studies more widely and obtain appropriate standard values for every population.