Lumbar ontogenetic growth and sexual dimorphism in modern humans.

To detect and differentiate between possible heterochronic processes in the ontogenetic growth pattern of the human lumbar region, in relationship with sexual dimorphism. We measured the growth trajectories of average length and width, length/width ratio, posterior projected surface area, and bone mineral density using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, in a sample group of 1718 modern humans. These growth patterns were analyzed using the Gompertz model.