Height estimation based on second cervical vertebra measured using three-dimensional computed tomographic scanning in Iranian adults

Abstract

Objectives: The cervical vertebrae are more durable than other skeletal components, and therefore may be the only remnants of a dead body. The present study aims to investigate the role of several linear dimensions of the second cervical vertebrae measured by Three-Dimensional Computed Tomographic Scanning (3D CT Scan) in height estimation of Iranian adult population. In this cross-sectional study, height determination was performed by measuring 15 indexes of the second cervical vertebrae. Indexes were obtained by screening cervical CT scan of 66 patients (33 males and 33 females) aged ≥ 18 years at Rasoul Hospital. Chi square, T student and logistic regression tests were used for statistical analysis. The significance level was considered to be < 0.05. Result: In the total population, among the indexes for the second cervical vertebrae, the Max height of the axis (AMA) (r = 0.470, P = 0.0001), Max length of the axis (CMA) (r = 0.320, P = 0.007), and Sagittal max body diameter (DSMC) (r = 0.281, P = 0.019) had a strong and positive correlation with height. The results of this study showed the accuracy of linear dimensions of cervical vertebrae in determining the body height of the Iranian adult population.