International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine

Abstract

Background: Estimation of stature is very important chapter in the field of Forensic anthropometry. The present study is a serious effort to establish correlation between Height of an individual and five parameters; Arm span, Hand length, Hand breadth, Foot length, and Foot breadth.

Method: Sample of 273 living cases (138 male and 135 female students) between the ages of 17 and 23 years with no obvious deformities or previous history of trauma to hands, feet, spine and limbs, were studied at Government Medical College, Bhavnagar. Sample represents the population of Gujarat.

Results: This study shows significant correlation between stature and all five parameters at different degrees. Mathematical formulas were used for estimation of stature from Arm span, Hand length, Hand breadth, Foot length, and Foot breadth. Arm span showed the highest correlation with stature (r=0.908) followed by Hand length, followed by foot length. Hand Breadth showed the lowest degree of correlation (0.467).

Conclusion: Present study will be definitely helpful to forensic experts and crime scene investigators in establishing identity of an unknown individual.