Estimation of stature from hand length in living subjects of Gujarat Region.

ABSTRACT

Background: The hand length can be used as a basis for estimating stature in cases where only fragmentary or mutilated remains of an unknown person are recovered and also in age related loss in stature. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between Personal Stature and Hand Length in living subjects of Gujarat region and derive a population specific formula (regression equation) to estimate Stature from Hand Length. Methods: Height and Hand Lengths were measured of total 510 living subjects (258 males & 252 females) between the age group of 18-25 years belonging to Gujarat Region. Results: A positive correlation was found between Height and Hand Length and it was statistically significant. Regression equation for stature Estimation was formulated using Hand Length in both sexes. Conclusion: Dimensions of Hand can provide good reliability in estimation of stature. Simple linear regression equation so far derived can be used for estimation of height. If either of the measurement (Hand length or Total Height) is known, the other can be calculated. This fact will be of practical use in Medico Legal investigations and in Anthropometry.