Abstract
The aims of this study were to describe the anatomy of a distinct sulcus on the caudal and ventral surface of the pubis, and to assess its relevance as a surgical landmark and as a feature that could be used to determine the gender in isolated pubic bones. We examined 6 male and 6 female formalin-fixed cadavers (age 52-86 years) to establish the position of the sulcus relative to soft tissue landmarks.
Several parameters of the pubis and sulcus were measured in 286 isolated pelvises and analyzed by stepwise discriminant function analysis. In males, the dorsal nerve of the penis coursed in the sulcus whereas the dorsal nerve together with the dorsal artery of the clitoris filled this groove in females.
Discriminant function analysis showed distinct gender differences in pubic bones and sulci. Width of the sulcus and craniocaudal length of the symphysis represented the major variation between the male and female pelvises.
Altogether, discriminant function analysis of isolated pubic bones correctly categorized 83 % of female and 88 % of male pubic bones. We have identified a groove in the pubic bone that we have termed the ?sulcus nervi dorsalis penis/clitoridis".
This structure can serve as a surgical landmark and, when present, can be used to determine the gender of isolated pubic bones.