Prediction of Stature Based on Radiographic Measurements of Cadaver Long Bones: A Study of the Croatian Population

• NCJ Number: 218473
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 52 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2007 Pages: 547-552
• Author(s): Vedrana Petrovecki M.D.; Davor Mayer M.D.; Mario Slaus Ph.D.; Davor Strinovic M.D.; Josip Skavic M.D.
• Date Published: May 2007
• Length: 4 pages
• Grant Number(s): 0108249
• Sponsoring Agency: Croatia Ministry of Science, Education and Sports
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Regression equations were created for the identification of unknown skeletal remains recovered in Croatia, based on a new approach to stature estimation from the cadaver body length and radiographically determined long-bone length.

Abstract

The study found that the difference in stature between female and male cadavers was significant. A significant difference between females and males was also found in the length of all six long bones. Separate analysis of the correlation of each long bone with stature showed that stature correlated best with the humerus in females and the tibia in males. This supports Telkka's findings. High and statistically significant correlation coefficients for six long bones allowed the calculation of separate regression equations for females and males. Accordingly, the known maximum length of any of the six long bones allowed for the calculation of body stature of the person at time of death. These new regression equations for estimation of the living stature were derived from the contemporary Croatian population and contributed substantially to the identification of victims of the 1991-95 war in Croatia. Forty-three cadavers, 20 females and 23 males, were examined during the study period. Each female cadaver was matched by age with a male cadaver within 5 years. After radiography, three cadavers (one female and two males) were excluded from the investigation because of a previous fracture of at least one of the long bones. The control group consisted of three male and two female skeletons recovered during the process of identifying victims of the war, as well as one female who died of natural causes. The stature of the cadavers was measured within 24 hours after death. The antero-posterior radiographs of all limbs were taken, and the maximum length of the six long bones was measured from radiographs. 5 figures, 2 tables, and 29 references