Sexual dimorphism of the human calcaneus: a cross-sectional morphometric study

Abstract

Sex estimation from skeletal remains is a fundamental step in forensic anthropology. The calcaneus, the largest tarsal bone, is robust and may serve as an alternative indicator when the skull and pelvis are unavailable. This study evaluated sexual dimorphism in the calcaneus of a contemporary Brazilian population. A total of 116 adult calcanei from the osteological collection of the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), derived from cemeteries in Recife, Brazil, were analysed. Specimens presenting fractures or degenerative changes were excluded. Maximum length, width, height, and weight were measured, and measurement reproducibility was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Statistical analyses were performed using Student’s t-test in Jamovi 2.6. All parameters were significantly greater in males than in females (p < 0.001), demonstrating marked sexual dimorphism. These findings support the calcaneus as a reliable indicator for sex estimation and provide population-specific data relevant to Brazilian forensic anthropology. Further studies with larger samples are recommended to improve the accuracy and applicability of available methods.