Determination of stature from hand dimensions

Abstract

Background: Due to increase events of mass disaster and brutal murders, dismembered body parts are sent to postmortem examination every now and then. Determination of stature from dismembered body parts can play vital role for identification of person. This study can be helpful there to determine stature from Hand length and Hand breadth. Aims and Objectives: To derive Regression formula and multiplication factor to determine stature from Hand length and Hand breadth for population in and around Rajkot region of Gujarat. Study Design: Cross Sectional Study. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 100 male cases and 100 female cases randomly selected from cadavers brought for post-mortem examination at mortuary of P. D. U. Govt. Medical College and Hospital, Rajkot. Stature was measured with measuring tape and Hand dimensions were measured by Sliding caliper after breaking Rigor mortis, if developed. Statistics: Collected data were statistically analysed using software like Epi info 7 and Microsoft excel. Results: Hand length and Hand breadth of right as well as left sides were positively and significantly correlated to stature (r ranging from 0.423 to 0.639, p<0.001). No significant difference was observed in Hand length of both sides (p>0.05), however Hand breadth of right side wassignificantly higher than left side (p<0.05). Stature, Hand length and Hand breadth of male were significantly greater than of female (p<0.05). Regression formula were showing standard error of estimate (SEE) ranging from ±4.70 to ±5.99. Hand length was showing less SEE than Hand breadth, making it more useful for determination of stature. Conclusion: Hand length and Hand breadth are showing good correlation with stature. It was found from the study that regression formula can measure stature more precisely than multiplication factor, moreover regression formula derived from Hand length predicts stature more accurately than from Hand breadth. Regression formula and multiplication factor derived by present study for population in and around Rajkot region can be used for identification purpose in medico-legal cases.