Estimation of stature from the lengths of ulna and tibia: a cadaveric study based on group-specific regression equations

Abstract

Prediction of stature in forensic medicine and anthropology is one of the most important tools in forensic identification. This study is aimed at generating group–specific stature equations that produce the most accurate results. The study was conducted on 140 cadavers (78 males, 62 females) of ages ranging from 18 to 50 years. Ulna and tibia lengths of the cadavers, as well as body height, were measured using two different methods. Values of ulna and tibia were classified into three groups; long ulna/tibia, medium ulna/tibia, and short ulna/tibia, by using 15th and 85th percentile values as cut-off points, and then least square regression equations were generated for each group. The results of these bone length sensitive formulae are compared with the results obtained using the classical general formula. Comparisons highlight that group-specific formulae give more accurate results than those of general the formula making them better suited to estimation of stature versus than the general formula in forensic cases.