Stature Estimation From Fragments of Femur in South Indian Population

Abstract

Stature estimation is an essential component of forensic anthropology, particularly in identifying individuals in scenarios involving fragmented skeletal remains, such as disasters or legal investigations. This study focuses on deriving regression equations for stature estimation using femoral fragments from the South Indian population. A total of 162 dry femora (96 left and 66 right) were analyzed, measuring parameters including maximum femur length, proximal and distal segments, bicondylar breadth, and various girths. The mean total femur length was 44.31 ± 3.08 cm for left femora and 44.13 ± 2.67 cm for right femora. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a very strong correlation (r ≥ 0.8) with shaft length for both sides, while moderate correlations (r = 0.6-0.8) were observed with parameters such as the proximal segment, girth of the middle shaft, and breadth of the neck. Regression equations were developed for parameters with significant correlations, enabling accurate stature estimation. The findings underscore the necessity of population-specific data for forensic applications, as skeletal dimensions vary significantly across ethnicities due to genetic, nutritional, and lifestyle factors. The regression model for stature estimation demonstrated high reliability, with R² values reaching 0.91 for shaft length. Additionally, the results align with previous studies on other Indian populations while also highlighting unique regional variations. Despite its strengths, the study is limited by the lack of gender differentiation and demographic diversity, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. These results provide valuable insights for medico-legal investigations and orthopedic applications, offering a robust framework for stature estimation in the South Indian population. Future research should explore advanced statistical techniques and include broader demographic parameters to enhance the precision and applicability of the findings.