Estimation of adult stature based on the length of humerus, ulna and radius at a selected higher educational institution in Malaysia

Abstract

Background Estimation of stature has significant importance in the field of forensic medicine and anthropometry. It is crucial for personal identification, especially when the body has been destroyed or decomposed, or certain parts of unknown victims remain either in accidents or mass disasters. The stature of an individual conveys information regarding the age, sex, and race of a person. Upper limb bones can aid in estimating stature when lower limb bones are not available. Aim of the study The present study aimed to determine the relationship between stature and upper limb bones length among sex and races in the Malaysian population and to construct regression formulae for stature estimation using upper limb bones length among males and females in Malaysia. Methods A total of 210 subjects with an age span of 20-30 years were included in the study. The individual's height was measured standing erect, in anatomical position using a wall-mounted stature meter. The percutaneous lengths of the humerus, ulna, and radius were measured using an INSIZE vernier caliper. Results The mean height and percutaneous lengths of the upper limb bones of the males were statistically higher than the females (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in all the parameters between the three races. Strong positive correlations between stature and percutaneous length of humerus, ulna and radius were observed in both sexes that were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Regression equations for stature estimation were developed using the upper limb bones length for both males and females. The multiple regression equations were more accurate in predicting stature as they showed a smaller standard error of estimate (SEE) than simple regression equations. Conclusions The percutaneous length of humerus, ulna, and radius provides an accurate and reliable means of estimating the stature of an individual. The regression formulae derived in this study will be helpful to anatomists, anthropologists, archaeologists, and forensic scientists. The findings of this study can be used as a baseline for future Malaysian studies