Abstract

Eduitem S. Otong*, Danladi S. Amaza, Sani A. Bello, Aminu A. Rufai, Zainab Mustapha and
Tamunotonye W. Jacks

ABSTRACT

Aim: To evaluate sexual differences using demarking points and index of sexual dimorphism using Trochlear Breadth of the talus in relation to age of males and females in north eastern Nigerians. Methodology: Three hundred and twelve (312) radiographs of adult north eastern Nigerians (156 males and 156 females) with age ranged 20 to 69 years were measured. Radiographs used for this study were obtained from the collection of the records unit of the Radiology Department, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) in Borno State, Nigeria. Radiographic viewing box, erasable maker and meter rule were used for the measurements. Both female and male samples were grouped into two separate subsamples (right and left talus). Samples were classified separately into five (5) age groups spanned ten years’ interval. The antero-posterior views of the plain radiographs of the ankle were mounted on viewing box connected to a light source with good illumination. Trochlear Breadth (TLB) of the talus (linear distance between the most medial and most lateral point on the trochlear surface) were identified and marked using a maker and the distances between them were measured with a meter rule in centimeters (cm). Results: The means of TLB of talus for males are all significantly greater than their female counterparts of the same age group. The results also show statistically significant (p<0.001) differences between the Trochlear Breadth of talus in males and females with the values of demarking points (DP) in males higher than those in the females. Parameters of index of sexual dimorphism (ISD) are greater than 100 which suggest that males have higher value over their female counterparts. The result also shows age related variation with male TLB of the talus ranged from 4.41 cm at 60-69 years age group to 4.68 cm at 30-39 years age group; while the female TB of the talus ranged from 3.96 cm at 60-69 years age group to 4.19 cm at 30-39 years. Conclusion: It was observed that the TLBs of talus are sexually dimorphic; the DPs of male parameters are all higher than those of their female Counterparts. It was also observed that the ISD for male TLBs are greater than those of the female counterparts as the ISDs are all greater than 100 at all age groups. However, more studies are required in other part of Nigeria, so as to capture the racial variation in the country.