Determination of Stature from Hand Length in Adults: A Regional Study in Chennai

Abstract

Introduction: Estimation of stature from dismembered body parts assumes great significance and interest in the field of forensic medicine. Stature can be determined using the measurements of different body parts. Hand anthropometry is found to yield good predictive information about an individual’s stature. The aim of the present study was to formulate regression equations from hand length for stature estimation of both sexes in Chennai region. Materials and methods: In this cross sectional study, 619 subjects of both sexes with age ranging from 18 to 59 years of Chennai region were studied for stature and its relevance with that of hand length. Simple regression equations were derived by using two parameters – right hand length (RHL) and left hand length (LHL) - for estimation of stature of an individual for either sex separately. Findings: In the present study we found a significant (p<0.01) positive correlation between stature and hand length in both sexes. Stature estimation was relatively more accurate in males compared to females. Conclusion: The present study gives statistically significant positive correlation between stature and hand length. Stature can be successfully and accurately determined in this regional population by applying these regression equations.