Estimation of height from percutaneous tibial length among South Indian population

Abstract

Introduction: The origins of anthropometry are very ancient. As long ago as old Egypt and Greece. The word ‘Anthrapometry’ was first used in the seventeenth century by a German physician J. Sigismund Elshwltz(1623-88). Materials and Methods: This present study was conducted on 300 Medical, Dental and Parmedical male students of Vinayaka Missions University, Salem, Tamil Nadu. The age of the students ranged from 20-23 years who belonged to South Indian region. The length of the tibia is defined as the direct distance between the medial most superficial point on upper border of medial condyle and tip of the medial malleous. The study subject was asked to sit with knee placed in the semi flexed position and the foot partly inverted to relax the soft tissues and facilitate bony landmarks prominent. Then, the bony landmarks are measured with the help of spreading callipers. Further, the measurement is confirmed by using measuring tape. Height was measured by measuring crown to heel standing erect posture with anthropometer. Measurements of length of right and left tibia were taken separately for calculation. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Observations and Results: Linear regression formula was derived for estimation of height from percutanous length of right and left tibia. Y1=94.5+1.8X1 Y2=88.55+1.95X2 Where, y1 and y2 are estimated heights from length of right and left tibia. X1 and X2 represent the length of right and left tibia respectively. Conclusion: Regression formula obtained can be used for the estimation of height from the tibia bone in south Indian population. Keyword: Tibia, Stature, Forensic, Anthropology