Stature Estimation from Forearm Length: An Anthropometric Study on Medical Students of South Indian Origin

Abstract

Forensic identification of mutilated and fragmented body parts is a critical part of forensic investigation. Stature is a major criterion of identification and provides useful clues to the investigating agency. There are established correlations of stature with body parts such as extremities, head, trunk, vertebral column, etc. This study was formulated to find out the correlation between maximum head length and maximum head breadth with stature in humans and to calculate a regression equation to determine stature from the head length and head breadth at Kolkata Police Morgue attached to the Upgraded Department of Forensic and State Medicine, Medical College, Kolkata. It is a cross-sectional, observational study. Total 32 deceased subjects (n= 32, m=26 f=6) were selected for the study depending on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Maximum head length and breadth were measured in each using spreading calipers and stature was measured using standard autopsy procedures. The results were tabulated in an excel spreadsheet and analyzed using Stat Cal C software and SSS (online). The mean, stature of the study population was 162.54 cm, head length 17.78 cm, and head breadth 13.75. cm r = 0.473 (head length, p <0.006) , 0.181 (head breadth, p <0.321). Regression equations: stature = 3.83 × head length + 94.43; 2.09 × head breadth + 133.69 and 3.76 × head length + 0.29 × head breadth +91.60. Head length and head breadth were correlated with stature. Regression equations can be used to estimate stature in forensic cases from head length and breadth.