Stature estimation of the Malaysian population based on sacrum CT scans

Abstract

Abstract Background The evolution of virtual technology in estimating stature through multi-slice computed tomography scanning can be essential for mass disasters and forensic cases. Regression formulae were generated directly from other skeleton parts such as cranium, sternum, vertebrae, clavicle, scapula, sacrum, pelvis, hand and foot bones to estimate stature. Previous studies have shown that pelvic shape score is significantly associated and correlated with stature for both sexes. The sacrum as part of the pelvis is located between the two os coxae via a sacroiliac joint. As such, this study aims to correlate the morphological measurement of sacrum with stature based on sex and ancestry among the Malaysian population from a total of 373 sacral computed tomography (CT) images collected at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital. The three-dimensional sacrum bones were segmented from CT images using the Mimics Research 17.0 software. Inter-landmark distances were measured using Microsoft 3D Builder, and their respective indices were computed. Results The auricular lengths are the most comparatively useful stature estimator at R > 0.5 among all the sacral morphometrics that were investigated on in this study. Results from this study should only be applied within the Malaysian population (Malay, Chinese and Indian). Conclusion The results could enhance the existing database of stature estimation, especially when dealing with skeletal material from Malaysia and when long bones are unavailable for the identification of incomplete unknown human remains.

Keywords

• Forensic anthropology
• Sacrum
• Stature estimation
• Malaysian population