Stature estimation from radiographically determined long bone length in a Spanish population sample

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Anthropometry

Background:

• Accurate stature estimation from skeletal remains is vital in forensic investigations.
• Existing stature estimation formulae may lack current applicability for Southern European populations.
• A need exists for updated population-specific data to improve forensic accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate regression formulae for stature estimation from limb bone lengths in a contemporary Spanish population.
• To identify the most reliable long bone predictors of stature for males and females in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Stature and limb bone lengths (femur, tibia, fibula, humerus, radius, ulna) were measured in 104 healthy Spanish adults.
• Anteroposterior teleradiographs of upper and lower limbs were utilized for bone length measurements.
• Pearson's correlation and regression analyses were performed to establish predictive relationships.

Main Results:

• Regression formulae were derived for stature estimation using individual bone lengths.
• In males, the femur length demonstrated the highest correlation with stature (R = 0.851).
• In females, the tibia length showed the strongest correlation with stature (R = 0.876).

Conclusions:

• The study provides updated, population-specific regression formulae for stature estimation in Spain.
• Femur and tibia lengths are identified as the most accurate predictors of stature in Spanish males and females, respectively.
• These findings enhance the reliability of forensic stature estimation in Southern Europe.