EVALUATION OF PERCUTANEOUS FOREARM LONG BONES LENGTH AS A PREDICTOR OF STATURE IN NORTH INDIANS

Abstract

Background: Stature is one of the principal determinants that help in the identification of a person even after death. It plays a crucial role in forensic identification, when it becomes complicated to identify unknown bodies, especially when only skeletal remains are present due to decomposition, mutilation, petrification, or accidents. Statistical analyses across different populations have revealed significant positive correlations between radial and ulnar lengths and stature in both sexes, although sex-specific regression equations are often required to improve predictive accuracy. The regression models based on both bones give more reliable results, enhancing reliability, particularly in cases involving incomplete skeletal remains.

Methodology: The present prospective cross-sectional study involving 1 000 subjects (500 male and 500 female) aged between 18 to 30 years, from the North Indian population at SGT Medical College, Gurgaon. Statures of the subjects were measured with the help of a stadiometer and the percutaneous length of the long bones (ulna and radius) by measuring tape.

Results: The mean Radius length was 24.71 cm, and the mean Ulna length was 26.41 cm, indicating that the Ulna is generally longer than the Radius in the study sample. A strong positive correlation was observed between Radius length and Ulna length (r=0.649, P<0.001).

Conclusion: This indicates that individuals with greater Radius length tend to have greater Ulna length. The regression model was statistically significant (F = 360.9, p < 0.001) and explained 42.1 % of the variation in Ulna length (R² = 0.421).