A study of correlations within the dimensions of lower limb parts for personal identification in a Sudanese population

Techniques and Applications of Lower Extremity Feminization and Masculinization

Background

Significant differences exist between feminine and masculine lower extremities, and this region contributes to gender dysphoria in transgender and nonbinary individuals.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted for primary literature on lower extremity (LE) gender affirmation techniques as well as anthropometric differences between male and female lower extremities, which could guide surgical planning. Multiple databases were searched for articles before June 2, 2021 using Medical Subject Headings. Data on techniques, outcomes, complications, and anthropometrics were collected.

Results

A total of 852 unique articles were identified: 17 met criteria for male and female anthropometrics and 1 met criteria for LE surgical techniques potentially applicable to gender affirmation. None met criteria for LE gender affirmation techniques specifically. Therefore, this review was expanded to discuss surgical techniques for the LE, targeting masculine and feminine anthropometric ideals. LE masculinization can target feminine qualities, such as mid-lateral gluteal fullness and excess subcutaneous fat in the thigh and hips. Feminization can target masculine qualities like a low waist-to-hip ratio, mid-lateral gluteal concavity, calf hypertrophy, and body hair. Cultural differences and patient body habitus, which influence what is considered "ideal" for both sexes, should be discussed. Applicable techniques include hormone therapy, lipo-contouring, fat grafting, implant placement, and botulinum toxin injection, among others.

Conclusions

Due to lack of existing outcomes-based literature, gender affirmation of the lower extremities will rely on application of an array of existing plastic surgery techniques. However, quality outcomes data for these procedures is required to determine best practices.

Stature estimation for Saudi men based on different combinations of upper limb part dimensions

Estimating stature based on body/limb parts can help define the characteristics of unidentified bodies. The most studied upper limb part is the hand, although few studies have examined whether stature can be estimated using fingers plus other hand dimensions. Moreover, there is paucity in anthropometric studies that determined whether bilateral whole limb parts (e.g., arms, forearms, and hands) are related to stature among the living subjects.This prospective cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the relationship between different upper limb measurements and the stature of Saudi men. Furthermore, I assessed whether upper limb asymmetry was present, and developed regression models to estimate stature based on different available measurements. Stature and 13 upper limb parameters were measured for 100 right-handed Saudi men who were 18 to 24 years old.All measurements were positively correlated with stature (P < .001), and the best single predictor was the bilateral ulnar length. Asymmetry was more pronounced in the hand measurements. A multiparameter model provided reasonable predictive accuracy (±3.77-5.68 cm) and was more accurate than single-parameter models. Inclusion of the right-side fingers improved the model's accuracy.This study developed potential models for estimating stature during the identification of bodies of Saudi men.

Anthropometric correlations between parts of the upper and lower limb: models for personal identification in a Sudanese population

PURPOSE

Identification of a deceased individual is an essential component of medicolegal practice. However, personal identification based on commingled limbs or parts of limbs, necessary in investigations of mass disasters or some crimes, is a difficult task. Limb measurements have been utilized in the development of biological parameters for personal identification, but the possibility to estimate the dimensions of parts of limbs other than hands and feet has not been assessed. The present study proposes an approach to estimate the dimensions of various parts of limbs based on other limb measurements.

METHODS

The study included 320 Sudanese adults, with equal representation of men and women. Nine limb dimensions were measured (five based on the upper limb, four based on the lower limb), and extensive statistical analysis of the distribution of values was performed.

RESULTS

The results showed that all of the measured dimensions were sexually dimorphic and that there was a significant positive correlation between the dimensions of various parts of limbs. Regression models (direct and stepwise) were developed to estimate the dimensions of parts of limbs based on measurements pertaining to one or more other parts of limbs.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed that the dimensions of parts of the upper and lower limb can be estimated from one another. These findings can be used in medicolegal practice and extended to constructive surgery, orthopedics, and prosthesis design for lost limbs.

Morphological study of palatal rugae in a Sudanese population

Palatal rugae patterns have unique characteristics and have been proposed as an alternative method to establish identity when other means, such as fingerprints and dental records, are not attainable. This study was conducted to determine the morphological characteristics of palatine rugae and to assess the existence of side asymmetry in them in Sudanese Arabs. It also assesses the possibility of determining sex using logistic regression. One hundred dental casts for 50 males and 50 females aged between 18 and 23 were studied for palatal rugae dimensions, shapes, and orientations, as well as sexual dimorphism and side symmetry. The most predominant rugae were primary, and the most prevalent shapes in both sexes were wavy, curved, and straight forms. The predominant orientation was forward. Side asymmetry existed more in the orientations than in the shapes, but no side asymmetry was recorded in the dimensions. There was no significant sexual dimorphism in the rugae dimensions, shapes, and orientations, except for forward-directed rugae (P < 0.037). A predictive value of 60% was obtained in assigning sex using dimensions and orientations and of 58% using shapes alone. Therefore, the palatal rugae are not recommended for assigning sex effectively among Sudanese Arabs unless it is the only means available.