For medicolegal studies, examination of human skeleton has obviously an utmost importance for the identification purpose. The experts are always facing a problem in identifying whether skeleton remains are of human being or not as well in estimating correct age, sex and stature of the specimen available. Sternum as an individual parameter for the determination of sex was first studied in 1788 by Wenzel. Sternal index, also known as manubrio­corpus index is an important and frequently studied parameter from this point of view. The present study is an attempt to know the reliability of sternal index in the differentiation of sex. The study of 100 cases was conducted at mortuary of P.D.U. Hospital and Medical College, Rajkot during the period of 6th January 2010 to 20th August, 2011. The materials for the study consist of sternum bones obtained from the cadavers brought for the post­mortem examination, after taking necessary consent from the relatives and police. Mean sternal index in males was 52.39 mm with SD of 7.70 while that of female cases was 60.12 mm with SD of 8.63. Sternal index in both sex had overlapping zone in the range of 39.33­73.51 mm. Observations of all male cases were falling in this range while 6.90% of female cases were falling outside this range. 

Keywords:dentification; Sternum; Sternal Index.