A skeletal pelvis is submitted for sex determination. Which single feature provides the MOST reliable indicator of female sex?

• A Greater sciatic notch angle greater than 68°
• B Subpubic angle greater than 90° ✓
• C Presence of a pre-auricular sulcus
• D Oval-shaped pelvic inlet (gynecoid pelvis)

Explanation

The subpubic angle is considered the single most reliable skeletal indicator of sex. In females, the subpubic angle is typically greater than 90° (obtuse, wide, arch-shaped), accommodating the requirements of parturition. In males it is less than 90° (acute, narrow, inverted-V shape). While the pre-auricular sulcus and greater sciatic notch are also sex-dimorphic features, they show more overlap between sexes and have lower discriminant accuracy when used alone. The oval gynecoid inlet characterises pelvic type but is less reliably sex-specific in fragmentary remains.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.