Estimation of Stature from Upper Extremity Anthropometric Measurements

Abstract

Introduction: Stature is one of the most important biological profiles for identification procedures. However, major difficulties are experienced in the identification of fragmented bodies in mass deaths. Anthropometric methods have been utilised as a reliable way to quickly establish the identification of victims using only a few parts of the body. Aim: To develop models for stature estimation in forensic situations in which anatomical components and remnants of the upper extremity require identification. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of aged 18-25 years (200 female, 200 male). Participants were selected from the Karadeniz Technical University, Turkey by stratified randomisation method according to sex. Measurements were taken from the upper extremities of all subjects on the basis of anthropometric points. The relationship between stature and upper extremity parameters was performed using Pearson correlation coefficient. Models were developed from using linear regression analysis. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between the male and female groups (p<0.05), with male measurements being higher than those of females. All body dimensions positively correlated with stature. The strongest correlations with stature were observed for upper extremity length for all groups and for both right (research: r=0.861; males: r=0.675; females: r=0.768) and left sides (research: r=0.868; r=males: 0.716; r=females: 0.758, p<0.01). Developed models elicited valid and reliable stature estimates with high accuracy rates (p<0.001). The accuracy of stature estimation models ranged from ±3.538 to ±4.958 cm. Conclusion: The study suggested that estimation of stature can be made possible using various dimensions of the upper extremities. One must consider differences between populations in order to apply functions as such to others. This study provides new forensic standards for stature estimation from the upper extremity measurements of Turkish adults.

Keywords

• anthropometry
• forensic medicine
• identification