Abstract: Eight measurements were taken o n 256 pairs of patella of Chinese Han nationality ( 18 - 75 years old) . Statistic analyses show that all the eight measurements have significant sex differences ( p < 0. 001) . By using Fisher 's method, sex discriminant functions with the eight items were established respectively. The highest discriminant rate reaches 94% w hen the volume of patella is used. For further increasing discriminant rate, stepwise discriminant analysis w as taken. Two measurements, the volume of patella and width of medial articular joint surface o f patella, w ere selected as the best discriminators. 96. 1% of sex discriminant rate can be obtained by using the function established with these two measurements.

Key words: Patella, Sex determination, Discriminant analysis