Background: Identification of human remains is an imperative element of any medicolegal
investigation, and a challenging task for forensic experts and physical anthropologists worldwide.
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine sex (male/female) by hand dimensions and index and
ring finger length ratio in Upper Egyptians.
Materials and methods: 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.
Results: The average hand length was found to be about 1.3 cm greater in males than females.
Hand index 640.55 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 60.976 is suggestive of
males, and ratio >0.976 is suggestive of females.
Conclusion: This study may prove useful to determine the sex of an isolated hand when it is subjected
for medicolegal examination.
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