Estimation of Stature from Percutaneous Length of Ulna and Tibia in Medical Students of Nagaland

Background and Objectives: Stature estimation plays an important role in establishing individuality of an unidentified dead body or any mutilated part of the body by the medicolegal experts. A strong relationship exists between stature and dimensions of different body parts, particularly bone lengths. In this study, an attempt has been made to derive regression equation to estimate stature from percutaneous length of ulna and tibia among Naga population of Nagaland. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Manipur on 100 healthy Medical Students from Nagaland (50 males and 50 females; aged 19-35 years). Stature, length of ulna and tibia on both sides were measured in standard position. Statistical analysis done using SPSS 21. Results: Mean ages of males and females were 23.22 ±3.93 years and 23.12 ±3.34 years, respectively which was not significant. Mean stature of males was 168.12±5.48 cms and females was 157±5.41 cms. Mean ulna and tibial length in males were significantly longer than that of females. A positive correlation between height and both the length of long bones was observed in both the sexes. Conclusion: Distinct sexual dimorphism observed in stature and length of ulna and tibia and also positive linear correlations observed between height and length of ulna and tibia. Linear regression models for stature estimation derived. Stature estimation should be population based as it is racial and gender dependent.