Comparative Study of the Sub-Pubic Angles of Adult Ikwerres and Kalabaris

The aim of this study is to document the sub-pubic angles of adult Ikwerres and Kalabaris and to provide a comprehensive data for use by anthropologists and medical practitioners. Si x hundred (600) anteroposterior pelvic radiographs of adult indigenous Ikwerres and Kalabaris aged 20-70 years were studied to determine their sub-pubic angle. The angles ranged from 75-126o and 86-128o for male Ikwerres and Kalabaris respectively, while for female Ikwerres and Kalabaris ranged from 96-142o and 95-151o respectively. The standard deviation of 3.00 and 3.17 were for female Ikwerres and Kalabaris respectively. Women had significantly wider angle than men (p<0.05) due to childbearing factor as indeed, has previously been shown in other population group studied. The value of the sub-pubic angle in adult Ikwerres and Kalabaris can be said to be obtuse in females, but overlap between acute and obtuse in males. Using the watershed sub-pubic angle derived from mean of previously documented studies and present study, 62.5% of Nigerians, 63% of Ugandan, and 71% of Malawians could be accurately assigned to the black race.The study has demonstrated not only sexual but also regional variability of this angle among Ikwerres and Kalabaris and among different population groups. This study is i mportant and is t herefore recommended to obst etricians, physical and forensic anthropologists especially in developing countries.