The Predictive Role Of Percutaneous Hand Length In Stature Estimation Of An Adult Nigerian Population

Background: Anthropometry of the living, historically recognized as being an essential element of physicalanthropology because of its role in classifying the biological characteristics of humans is being re-evaluated forits potential contribution to forensic investigations. This study sought to derive regression equations andmultiplication factors for stature prediction using percutaneous hand length measurement of adult Nigerians inNnewi.Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study comprised a random sample of 800 subjects (400 males and400 females) of Nigerian parentage, aged 18-50 years who volunteered and satisfied the inclusion criteria.Ethical clearance was sought and obtained; and measurements which included stature and hand length weremeasured with an anthropometer and a small sliding vernier caliper respectively, upon full consent of theparticipants. The data collated was analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results: Mean stature values of 175.12±6.61cm, 165.53±6.69cm and 170.33±8.19cm were recorded for the males,females and the pooled sample respectively. The mean values of the right, left and combined hand lengths in themales, females and the pooled sample ranged from 19.67±0.94cm to 20.91±0.77cm. Independent t test exhibitedstatistically significant gender differences (P<0.05) for all the parameters, with the males having consistentlyhigher values than the females. Paired t test revealed the existence of bi-lateral asymmetry between right and lefthand lengths in the males and the pooled sample (P<0.05). Significant positive correlation coefficients of staturewith hand length were found to range from 0.569 to 0.739 in the study. The multiplication factors computed forstature prediction from hand length ranged from 8.375 to 8.450 in the males, females and the pooled sample.Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that stature can be predicted from hand length. The prediction modelsestablished from this study will be very useful in disaster victim identification from mutilated human remains inNigeria.

Relationship between body mass index and knee alignment using non-radiographic / umbilical method.

Aim: The aim of the research was to investigate the relationship between body mass index and knee alignment angle using non-radiographic methods, and to propose a regression equation to define the relationship.Method: A total of 300 students (200 males, 100 females) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi campus participated in the study. Knee alignment was measured using body landmarks (umbilicus, right knee and right second toe) with a goniometer and calliper; the body mass index was also determined.Result: The male subjects had a mean body mass index of 24.2 kg/m2 and knee alignment angle of 176.5o. The female participants had a mean body mass index of 22.7 kg/m2 and knee alignment angle of 180.9o. Body mass index had no significant relationship with knee alignment in both males and females respectively (r = 0.009, p > 0.05; r = 0.065, p > 0.05). Conclusion: The study showed no significant positive relationship between body mass index and knee alignment, and body mass index is therefore not a good determinant for the control of knee alignment-based knee osteoarthritis.