Estimation of ‘Stature’ from Long Bones of the Lower Limb-A Cadaver based Study

Abstract

Background and objectives: Stature of a person is an important parameter of personal identification. In
this study stature ( body total length) was estimated from the measurement of length of femur and tibia
belonging to unclaimed cadavers. Methodology: a total number of 51 unidentified dead bodies (42 male
and 9 female) in age group of 18-80 years were studied. Length of the body of the study subject in lying
position on autopsy table, length of the fresh and dry bones of femur and tibia were measured. Regression
formulae and Multiplication factors were derived for both sexes for fresh and dry bones of femur and Tibia
for estimation of stature. Results: Among males; Wet femur shows highest correlation with the stature,
while wet tibia shows least correlation, though both show significant correlation for the estimation of stature
(P< 0.0001). Among females ; Dry femur, and combined dry femur and tibia shows highest correlation
with the stature, while wet tibia shows least correlation, though both shows significant correlation for the
estimation of stature (P< 0.0001). Interpretation and Conclusion: This study will be useful to the forensic
medical experts when only the lower limb is available for forensic investigation in estimating stature and
in anthropological research projects. Regression formulae are dependable than multiplication factor for
estimation of stature [52].