Abstract:Stature is one of the most important elements of identification of an individual. Establishment of the identity of an individual plays a important role in identifying the deceased in forensic examinations. The dimensions of the hand can be used for the determination stature of an individual. The purpose of the present study was to determine sex by hand dimensions among 200 South Indian and North Indian subjects. Statistical analysis indicated that bilateral variation was significant for the measurements of hand length whereas bilateral variation was insignificant for hand breadth measurements. Hand dimensions on both sides were significantly greater (p<0.001) in males when compared with females. Statistically significant differences were not found in the mean hand dimensions of South and North Indian population when compared in the same sex.

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