Walker's traits for sex estimation in modern Croatian population using MSCT virtual cranial database: Validation and development of population-specific standards

Abstract

The present study aimed to test the applicability of Walker`s method in the Croatian population by using multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) scans of a head from the University hospitals (UHC) in Split and Zagreb. Cranial morphological traits (nuchal crest, mastoid process, supraorbital edge, and glabella) were scored from images of 280 adult patients with balanced distribution according to sex and geographical region. Differences between Split and Zagreb samples were visible through principal component analysis (PCA) with Split individuals being more robust, that also reflected in specific differences in trait expression like mastoid process (P = 0.001) and supraorbital edge (P = 0.003) in male samples. Original equations did not perform well in our population, with accuracy ranging from 62 % to 70 % with low accuracy in females (48 % - 56 %). We developed 15 population-specific equations that comprised all possible combinations with single or multiple variables. The best performing equation was the one that included glabella and mastoid process that showed the least interregional variabilities and achieved accuracy of 86.25 %. To enable a direct application of equations developed we provided on-line app called CroWalker, available at: https://crowalker-rvhw.onrender.com/.