Correlation of anthropometric measurements and odontometric measurements: A possible forensic tool in stature estimation

Abstract

Background: Stature or body height is one of the most essential and useful anthropometric parameters; determining an individual's physical identity. A proportional biological relationship of stature exists with every part of the human body, which plays a vital role in forensic investigations. Apart from them, teeth also have the advantage of being composed mainly of hard tissue, which is relatively indestructible. The careful study of these can enable reliable determination of the stature of the person. Aim: The aim is to correlate hand length, middle phalanx length and Carrea's index with that of actual individual height in determining the stature. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 subjects constituting a sample size of 300 (both right and left sides) of age range 20-25 years were considered in the present study. Height of the subject was measured using Standard Anthropometer. Hand length and Middle phalanx length was measured using digital vernier callipers. Mandibular impression was taken using alginate impression material, arch and chord length was measured on dental cast using digital vernier callipers. Statistical Analysis and Results: Regression equations were derived for hand and middle phalanx length to calculate estimated height and Carrea's index was used to calculate estimated height. The estimated heights from all parameters were compared with the actual height and linear correlation was obtained for all the parameters. Conclusion: Among all parameters hand length on both right and left sides predict stature more accurately whereas Carrea's method was used just as an auxillary tool.