Stature estimation using interacromial length in South and North Indian population

Abstract

Objective: In medicolegal autopsies, establishing personal identity of the dead is often necessary and assessment of the stature from extremities plays a vital part in identifying the dead in forensic examinations. The aim of the present study was to derive a regression equation for estimating stature using the interacromial length.Materials and Methods: 200 normal human subjects belonging to south and north indian population from kasturba medical college, Manipal were used for the study. Their age ranges from 16-23 yrs. The stature and interacromial distances were measured with a measuring tape. The statistical analysis was carried out and a regression equation for estimating the stature from the interacromial length was derived for both males and females. Results: The mean interacromial distance in males and females was 36.98 ± standard deviation (SD) cm and 32.5 ± SD cm, respectively, and the mean height in males and females was 176 ± SD cm and 160.5 ± SD cm, respectively.Regression equation formulae were derived from the present study to estimate stature from the interacromial distance in South and North Indian population. Conclusion: In forensic investigation, difficulties are experienced in the stature and gender assessment of bodies injured in mass destruction. The present study may be useful for forensic experts in identifying the stature from fragmentary remnants of the thorax whenever the same are recovered.