A Comparative Study of Third and Fourth Ribs using Anthropometric Parameters and their Relevance to Forensic Medicine

Forensic science and anthropometry are inseparable as evidence from most anthropometrical analysis can be used for decision making. Anthropometric details of the ribs are important in defining the relationship between them and how they apply to forensic studies. The aim of this study is to determine the anthropometrical relationship between two morphologically similar ribs (rib 3 and 4) and its relevance to forensic medicine. One hundred and Seventy three (173) macerated rib bones of Nigerian origin; comprising of eighty four (84) third ribs (R3) [48 right (R ) and 36 left (L ) ribs] and eighty nine (89) fourth ribs (R4) [55 right (R ) and 34 left (L ) ribs] from different Universities in Nigeria were used for this study. Three anthropometrical parameters using a digital venier caliper were measured (Maximum Superior-Inferior Height [MSIH], Maximum Anterior-Posterior Width [MAPW] and Maximum Pit Depth [MPD]). The mean±S.D of R3-MSIH was 11.417±2.533 (R = 11.171±2.236 and L = 11.604±2.742) while R4-MSIH was 11.843±2.880 (R = 11.618±2.984 and L = 12.210±2.706); R3-MAPW was 5.548±1.492 (R = 5.646± 1.644 and L = 5.420±1.273) while R4-MAPW was 5.753±1.237 (R = 5.836± 1.229 and L = 5.621±1.256); R3-MPD was 2.060±1.176 (R = 2.309± 2.008 and L = 5.621±1.256) while R4-MPD was 2.258±1.755 (R = 2.309± 2.008 and L = 2.18±1.267). No statistical difference exits between the left rib and its corresponding right side (P>0.05). There was no significant difference between the MSIH, MAPW and MPD of R3 and R4 (P>0.05); hence rib three and four are anthropometrically similar for the measured parameters which indicates a possibility of a reconstruction of R4 from R3 and vice-versa. Evidence from this study can aid in decision making for possible reconstruction of damaged skeletal part and Identification; which can be partial or complete.

Key Words: Forensic Medicine, Anthropometry, Nigerians, Ribs