Résumé
Background: Stature of an individual can be estimated from long bones as these have a direct correlation to the height of an individual. The standing height is mostly contributed lower limb length. Hence regression equations which are best upon length of lower limb long bones are indicative very much. Secular differences of tibial length could be the reason for need of more accurate equation of stature estimation among Bengali population.Methods: In this present study the maximum percutaneous tibial length and the corresponding standing height of adult 260 male and 210 female Bengali subjects were taken. The data were analyzed by parametric statistics and the regression equations were derived.Results: The mean standing height of subjects was 159.15 cm in males and 157.12 cm. in females. It was determined that percutaneous tibial length and stature were positively correlated; the formulated regression equations were seen to be statistically significant (p <0.05) in both the sexes.Conclusions: The present study revealed that there is high degree of correlation between percutaneous tibial length and standing height of Bengali subjects. Hence applicability of the present equations is critically discussed as these will be very much useful for various practical aspects.
Résumé
Background: Assessment of stature from measurement of percutaneous body parts is important for identification. This assessment can be done from long bones, especially tibia and femur. Tibia is ideal in this context as it is subcutaneous, and measurement is easy. Various regression equations correlating stature with percutaneous length of tibia (PCLT) are outdated, incorrect or inappropriate. So, the present study aimed at finding a recent relationship, and if possible, correlation between PCLT and stature.Methods: PCLT and stature of 470 subjects of Burdwan district, West Bengal, India, were recorded.Results: New regression equations were derived from the data, taking into consideration the racial, geographic, secular and gender differences. After determining that PCLT and stature were related and positively correlated, the newly formulated regression equations were evaluated and found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: The new regression equations derived from this study could be employed for more accurate estimation of stature.
Résumé
Introduction: Of the mathematical methods, regression equations have been successfully used for estimation of stature. Population specific formulae produce more accurate results. The present investigation was designed to estimate stature from fragment of femur obtained from a collection of Bengalee population of the state of West Bengal of India. Materials & Methods: The fragment of the femur (Popliteal length of femur) was measured by a vertical length from the point where the distance between external borders of both linea aspera lips becomes 10 mm (it was considered as the lower end of linea aspera, where the two lips diverges below), to the ground where lower surfaces of both the condyles were in contact. Results: The following regression equation was obtained: Stature in feet = 0.127[20.1184 + 1.6890x]. (‘x’ stands for popliteal length of femur in centimeter.) Discussion: This would help in identification of unknown skeletal remains, as estimation of stature is an important part in establishing the biological profile of skeletal remains.
Résumé
Stature is an important data for identification. Stature of an individual can be estimated from measurement of long bones with the help of established formulae. This method is in practice since 1899. Estimation of stature from bones has anthropological and forensic importance. Changes in the pattern of crime and steady increase in the number of homicides have made these works important and valuable for the administration of law. Excavation of graves, mass casualties and cases where grossly mutilated skeletal remains are found, become difficult and challenging for both the forensic pathologist and physical anthropologist. In India, exposed and unidentified dead bodes are often mutilated by wild animals gnawing the skeletal remains. Bone fragments, often with ends destroyed, are brought for forensic examination. Further, those formulae for long bones are population specific, and also depend on the condition of the available bones. The present study makes an attempt to establish the correlation between epicondylar breadth and maximum femoral length and subsequently its application in stature estimation in Indian Bengali population.