Stature Estimation Using Per-Cutaneous Tibial Length in People of Gwalior Region

Abstract

Introduction: Stature estimation is an important part of the identification process of human skeletal remains or body parts to establish individuality of an unidentified dead, body or any mutilated part of such body by the Medico-legal expert.. Aim: The present study made an attempt to estimate the stature from per-cutaneous tibial length (PCTL) by formulating simple regression equation and multiplication factor (M.F.) for people of Gwalior region. Method: A random sample of 270 male and 270 female students of G.R.Medical College, Gwalior between the age group of 18-21 years was chosen. PCTL of right and left side were measured with the help of spreading caliper. Stature was estimated from PCTL statistically using simple regression analysis and M.F. Result: On computing the data, the mean PCTL for male was found to be 38.24±2.343cm which was significantly (p<0.0001) greater than female which was 36.064±2.464cm. The observed height was 164.5±8.257cm and 155.3±5.854cm for male and female respectively. The regression formula derived for male was y0=105.971+1.53 x(PCTL) ± 7.452 and for female was y0= 103.76+1.43 x(PCTL) ± 4.69. The M.F was 4.302 for male and 4.306 for female. A significant positive correlation exists between the stature and PCTL using simple regression analysis and M.F. Conclusion: It was concluded that the stature of a deceased person whose only body part available is a mutilated leg, can be determined by using the formula derived from the present study fairly accurately to some extent. Thus the data of this study is recommended in anthropological studies for stature estimation amongst the ethnic group under study.