A Statistical Method for Reassociating Human Tali and Calcanei from a Commingled Context

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Bioarchaeology
• Human Osteology

Background:

• Accurate identification of individual human remains is crucial in forensic anthropology.
• Distinguishing between tali and calcanei from different individuals in commingled contexts presents a significant challenge.
• Establishing methods to associate foot bones like the talus and calcaneus can improve the sorting of fragmented skeletal remains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a method for reassociating tali and calcanei from the same individual.
• To assess the effectiveness of morphometric measurements in distinguishing and matching these bones.
• To determine if factors like sex or bilateral asymmetry impact the accuracy of bone association.

Main Methods:

• Measurements of the trochlea, posterior calcaneal articular surface, and posterior talar articular surface were taken from 197 individuals (105 males, 92 females) in the Athens Collection.
• Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to develop association equations.
• The accuracy of the developed equations for reassociating tali and calcanei was evaluated.

Main Results:

• Twelve highly accurate linear regression equations were developed for reassociating tali and calcanei.
• The developed equations demonstrated suitability for sorting commingled human remains.
• No significant effect of bilateral asymmetry or sex on the accuracy of the reassociation method was observed.

Conclusions:

• The developed morphometric equations provide a reliable method for associating tali and calcanei.
• This technique enhances the ability to sort commingled human remains in forensic contexts.
• The method's independence from sex and bilateral asymmetry increases its applicability across diverse skeletal samples.