Stature and gender estimation using foot measurements

In forensic investigation difficulties are being experienced in the stature and gender estimation of bodies dismembered in mass destruction. So as to eliminate these difficulties, new methods are being developed. The aim of this study is to develop formulae for estimation of the stature and gender through foot measurements when necessary. For this purpose, the length, width, malleol height, navicular height measurements of the right and left foot as well as stature have been taken from the 249 subjects who are attending Medical Faculty of Dokuz Eylul University and School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation in Turkey. In males, stature and foot measurements were higher than in females, and the difference between the average measures was significant. The highest correlation was observed in the right and left foot length for female, male and study (mix-gender group) groups when stature and foot measurement relations were evaluated. The lowest correlation was observed in foot width for the right foot in all groups but, differed in left foot measurements for each group. Formulae were obtained by using multiple regression analysis for stature estimation and logistic regression analysis for gender estimation. As a consequence, whilst stature estimation formulae, depending on the gender, allow 9-10 cm errors, those that are independent on the gender help make estimation with less than 4 cm errors. Gender estimation formula can help determine the gender with 95.6% accuracy via right foot measurements, and 96.4% accuracy via left foot measurements. In population similar to our subjects, stature and gender estimation can be made by using foot measurements. © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

Legal Aspects of Gender Reassignment Surgery in Turkey: A Case Report

The gender reassignment process has ethical, social and legal dimensions. However, European Union countries have recommended certain principles for such reassignment. The lack of special legislation regulating legal conditions and effects of gender reassignment creates a difficult situation for transsexuals. A new civil law was implemented in 2001 in Turkey recognising gender identity reassignment which has set new standards for procedures. According to the law, court permission is compulsory for gender reassignment surgery. Courts require expert analyses in a health council report which must include a psychiatric examination of the individual, who must also be permanently unreproductive as defined by the law. Although the new Civil Law arranges new standards for gender reassignment surgery procedures, there are several problems in reassigning the civil status of transsexuals in Turkey

Mental Findings in Trauma Victims

Introduction: In medico-legal evaluation of trauma patients, the bio-psychological effects of the trauma and the severity of the injuries require to be evaluated. In this study, assuming the fact that psychiatric assessment are not taken into consideration in physical trauma cases, we have planned to bring up the presence of psychological trauma in our medico-legally evaluated patients due to different types of traumas and review the mental findings and diagnoses in trauma victims