Estimation of Stature from Hand Length

Abstract

Introduction: Estimation of stature from hand length is considered as an important parameter in medico-legal and forensic examinations. When highly decomposed and mutilated dead bodies with fragmentary remains are brought for postmortem examination, it becomes difficult to identify the deceased. Therefore, an attempt has been made in this study to derive a linear regression equation for estimation of stature from the length of hand. Material & Methods: The present study was conducted on 506 medical students (255 males and 251 females) of age group 18-25 years, at Index Medical College Hospital and Research Center, Indore. The measurements were taken by using standard anthropometric instruments. Results: The observed data was subjected to statistical analysis. The ‘t’ test applied for correlation coefficient. The value of ‘t’ was found to be statistically significant. Simple linear regression equation derived was used for estimation of height. Conclusion: It was concluded that the hand length provides good reliability in estimation of stature in forensic examinations and in medico-legal cases and the correlation between present parameters would be helpful in medico-legal cases for identification of individuals. Regression equation derived can be of help in artificial limb centers for construction of prosthesis required in cases of amputations following gangrene, trauma, frostbite etc.