Correlation of Anthropometric Measurements of Proximal Tibia with Its Length for Stature Estimation in Forensic Analysis

ABSTRACT

Background: Estimation of stature is one of the commonly used methods in forensic analysis to establish identity of individuals. Estimation of stature from fragments of long bones is done by deriving linear regression equations. The objective of the present study was to derive a simple regression equation for estimating length of the tibia using the morphometry of proximal end of tibia. Materials and methods: In this descriptive study carried out in the department of anatomy of a medical college, anthropometric measurements of proximal end of 150 dry human tibiae were collected irrespective of the sex and side. The parameters measured included the mediolateral length of the proximal end, the anteroposterior length of the medial and lateral condyle of tibia, anteroposterior length of the intercondylar area, and the circumference of proximal end of tibia. The measurements were done using Vernier calliper and measuring tape. Length of the tibia was estimated by using simple regression analysis. Results: The following linear regression equations were derived. Length of tibia can be calculated by, 29.2749 + (1.1925 × Mediolateral length) ±1.1926, 27.6418 + (2.333 × Anteroposterior length of lateral condyle) ±1.132, 21.8342+(3.2614 ×Anteroposterior length of medial condyle) ±1.328, 33.542 +(0.8952 × Anteroposterior length of intercondylar region) ±1.474, 23.1902 +(0.76379 × Circumference of proximal end) ± 1.134 Conclusion: The study revealed that there is a positive correlation between the measurements of proximal end of tibia and its length. The equation derived would help in forensic analysis to estimate the stature of an individual.