Sinem KAYA, Meltem Acar GUDEK, Fatma KOKCU
Medicine Science - 2026;15(2):665-674
Skeletal bones have a decisive role in sex determination. Studies using various methods, including the humerus, have demonstrated morphometric and macroanatomical differences. This study aimed to define the humerus through computed tomography (CT) based measurements, identify gender differences, and contribute to future research on sex determination. CT images of 43 female and 62 male humeri were analyzed. Ten parameters were examined, and the obtained measurements were evaluated. The mean circumference of the surgical neck (CSN) in men was 10.29 +/- 0.72 cm, compared to 8.63 +/- 0.87 cm in women (r=0.64, p<0.001). The mean length of the capitulum humeri (LCH) was 2.37 +/- 0.28 cm in men and 2.03 +/- 0.25 cm in women (r=0.53, p<0.001). The mean length of the trochlea humeri (LTH) was 2.54 +/- 0.33 cm in men and 2.26 +/- 0.33 cm in women (r=0.39, p<0.001). The mean epicondylar width (EW) was 6.48 +/- 0.37 cm in men and 5.69 +/- 0.37 cm in women (r=0.72, p<0.001). Statistically significant differences were found between the mean values of CSN, LCH, LTH, and EW according to gender (p<0.001). When comparing two-category independent variables for normally distributed quantitative data, significant differences were identified between male and female humeri (p<0.001). A statistically significant but weak negative correlation was observed between age and the values of the surgical neck, humeral shaft, and humeral trochlea. These findings demonstrate notable morphometric differences between sexes. Humeral parameters may provide useful data in clinical practice and contribute to gender and age-related identification in forensic medicine, forensic anthropology, and anatomical research.
