Regression analysis for estimation of tibial length using dimensions of its distal end - A South Indian population study

Abstract

Abstract Aim of study: Estimation of length of bone is an important method used to assess stature of an individual in forensic anthropology. Our study is aimed at estimation of length of tibia from the dimensions of its distal end and so an attempt has been made to look into the accuracy of correlation between the length and dimensions of distal end of tibia in south Indian population. Materials and methods: A collection of 270 dried adult normal human tibias of both sexes from the Department of Anatomy, Vinayaka Mission's Kirupanandha Variyar Medical College, Annapoorana Medical College and Vinayaka Mission's Homeopathy Medical College, Salem were included in this study. The length of tibia was measured using osteometric board. Height and width of fibular notch, height and width of medial malleolus, length and width of talar facet were measured using digital Vernier caliper. Statistical analysis was carried out to find out the correlation between the length and dimensions of distal end of tibia. Results : All the parametric variables showed positive correlation with the length of tibia. Regression equations were derived from stepwise analysis with different models. The equations derived showed moderate correlation with relatively low accuracy. Conclusion : These equations may be cautiously used to estimate length of tibia approximately when there are only distal fragments of bone is available for examination.