Reassessing stature estimation in modern Britain: A PMCT-based evaluation and alternative to Trotter and Gleser in...

Stature estimation is one key component of the biological profile in forensic anthropology, yet most available regression formulae are derived from non-contemporary and non-UK reference samples. This study aimed to develop and evaluate preliminary PMCT-derived regression equations for estimating cadaveric length from long-bone measurements in a contemporary East London mortuary sample; and to compare their performance with commonly used Trotter and Gleser formulae. Whole-body PMCT scans of 100 adults from the East London Forensic Centre were analysed, comprising 50 males and 50 females aged 25-97 years. Bilateral measurements of the humerus, femur, tibia, and fibula were recorded in Horos using standard osteometric definitions. Side-averaged values were used in ordinary least squares regression models, with cadaveric length as the outcome variable. Both univariate and limited multivariate models were generated for pooled and sex-specific samples, and model performance was assessed in a number of ways such as adjusted R², standard error of estimate, root mean square error, mean absolute error, and cross-validation. Results indicate that lower limb variables showed the strongest associations with cadaveric length. However, the high inter-predictor correlations and VIF values indicated severe multicollinearity, meaning that the most complex multivariable models should not be interpreted biologically or treated as the strongest practical option. Instead, the findings support the use of parsimonious, sex-specific equations, with wider multivariable models presented cautiously as internally fitted models only. This study provides population-relevant PMCT-derived reference equations for a small contemporary East London sample, but external validation is required before routine forensic implementation.