A Model for the Estimation of Personal Stature from the Length of Forearm

Abstract

Prediction of stature from incomplete and decomposing skeletal remains is vital in establishing the identity of an unknown individual. It has been stated that a variety of factors such as race, gender and nutrition play an important role in determining the height of an individual. Estimation of stature from measurements of various long bones has been achieved with varying degree of accuracy. Those studies resulted in establishing different formulae for the estimation of stature for the respective populations. However, evidence shows that there is a great void in such norms for Sri Lankans. Hence, this study was designed to investigate the relationship and to propose a gender and age specific linear regression models between the ulna length and height of an individual. A total of 258 subjects with an age span of 20-23 years were included in the study. The ulna length was measured using a digital sliding caliper capable of measuring to the nearest 0.01 mm. The height of the individual was measured standing erect, in anatomical position using a standing height measuring instrument. The findings of the study indicated significant differences of the ulna length between the genders. A positive correlation between height and ulna length was observed in both sexes and it was statistically significant. Regression equations for stature estimation were formulated using the ulna lengths for both males and females. The ulna length provides an accurate and reliable means in estimating the height of an individual. The regression formulae proposed in this study will be useful for clinicians, anatomists, archeologists, anthropologists and forensic scientists when such evidence provides the investigator the only opportunity to gauge that aspect of an individual's physical description.