Metric methods for estimating sex utilizing the pelvis
The innominate is commonly viewed as the best skeletal element used in the estimation of sex of an unknown individual, and non-metric methods have dominated. However, metric methods can provide a more objective means of estimation. Previous metric studies cite accuracy rates of at least 90% range—though many of these methods use measurements based on landmarks that are difficult to find and nearly impossible to replicate, leading to high interobserver error rates—and, in many cases, must be used on complete innominates in addition to the proximal femur. Recently, several new metric sex estimation methods have been published that attempt to remedy the issues with traditional metric methods. These studies are promising, with many claiming accuracy rates of at least 95% in diverse samples from around the world, avoiding bias in sex classification due to ancestry.
