Stature Estimation Using Postmortem Computed Tomography Scan Images of Long Limbs

Abstract

Introduction: Estimation of stature is an important tool in developing a biological profile for human identification especially using long bones. Thus far, stature estimation had been done mostly based on the American population. Both Thai Formula [6] and Malaysia Formula [4] were currently practice applied by Forensic Anthropologists in Malaysia. Amongst the Asian population, this study had shown that Thai Formula with direct bone measurement have higher accuracy and reliability compared to the Malaysia Formula.Methodology: A new tool is developed in this study to Formulate stature estimation by measuring via Postmortem Multislice Computed Tomography (PMCT) images on the average bilateral length measurements of 3 long bones including humerus, femur and tibia. All the postmortem cases in year 2015 involved Asian Population with known stature were included. A total sample size of 333 were selected by convenience sampling based on the archived PMCT images available and those images with fractured bones or presenting out of the PMCT framework were excluded.Results and Discussion: Statistical analyses showed that there was a significant difference of stature between sex but not significant between population and ancestry. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Regression analysis proved that lower limbs have higher correlation with the stature compared with upper limbs. This study has created more reliable Formula for Malaysia population compared to Non-Malaysia Asian population. For unknown dead bodies, forensic anthropologists were recommended to use both Femur and Tibia Length and the Formula under combined category to resemble the Asian population.

Sexual Dimorphism of Greater Sciatic Notch among Nepalese Population by Three Dimensional CT Images of Pelvis

“…9,13,14 Though DNA analysis is more authentic, it is expensive and requires special tools and time. 4,5,15 Hence anthropological preliminary reports can support the primary findings. 15 During mass fatality events, when fragmented bones has to be used, pelvis and hence Greater Sciatic Notch is most accurate which can predict sex with highest accuracy.…”

“…4,5,15 Hence anthropological preliminary reports can support the primary findings. 15 During mass fatality events, when fragmented bones has to be used, pelvis and hence Greater Sciatic Notch is most accurate which can predict sex with highest accuracy. [1][2][3]11 It reveals sexual dimorphism due to difference in sex hormones and displays an additional pressure of obstetrics difficulties on women giving birth to large brained infants.…”

Stature Estimation from Postmortem CT Femoral Maximum Length in Contemporary Danish Population

“…In line with the results from the previous studies, the SEE values obtained from the equations based on femoral length in our present study ranged from 3.53 to 4.40 cm. Previous studies using CT data demonstrate that, although the other bones could be used to estimate stature, the length of the femur might be more relevant to stature and thus reliable for stature estimation .…”

“…Regarding stature estimation, CT techniques have been applied on the cranium, cervical vertebra, scapula, clavicle, sternum, metacarpals, pelvis, sacrum, and upper and lower limb lengths in various populations such as the Italian, Swiss, Egyptian, Turkish, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Nepalese populations . These studies provide abundant comparable data to look into the correlations of different skeletal elements for stature estimation.…”

“…Because CT imaging is increasingly applied in the context of forensic anthropology, postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) measurements of metric femoral parameters can be reliable to develop stature estimation regression equations. Other studies on CT and femora have already been conducted on Swiss , Korean , Japanese , and Malaysian populations.…”