English

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Estimation of stature from bones has anthropological and forensic importance. The bones of the lower extremity namely the femur and tibia have yielded consistent and good results. Availability of long bone (without intact ends) is indeed a serious problem of stature estimation. This can be overcome by applying the method to the available fragment of bone. This will help to solve medico-legal problems giving due consideration to regional factors. AIM: The present study was designed to examine the correlation between total length of femur and the length of its fragments in dry bones to estimate stature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred adult femora belonging to unknown age, sex and stature were studied. Total length and upper end lengths of femur were measured to fractions of a centimeter. Femur was divided into four segments with the help of salient bony points. Segment AB from most proximal end of femur to most distal point of the circumference of the head. Segment BC from most distal point of the circumference of the head to lower border of lesser trochanter. Segment CD from lower border of lesser trochanter to adductor tubercle. Segment DE from adductor tubercle to lower margin of lower end of femur. RESULTS: Various measurements like mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation were calculated. Average proportions of each segment to that of total length of the bone was determined. The percentage of bones lying within the range of ± 2.5 S.D. have been determined to find out degree of significance of each proportion. CONCLUSION: Among the different segments, it is seen that significance was highest with the longest segment as compared to shortest segments.