A Study of Estimation of Stature from Forearm Length

Abstract

Background: Estimation of stature from body parts is an essential component of forensic anthropology and medico-legal identification, particularly in cases involving mutilated, decomposed, or incomplete human remains. Among various anthropometric parameters, forearm length serves as a simple, reliable, and non-invasive predictor of stature. Population-specific regression models are necessary because anthropometric relationships vary according to ethnicity, sex, and geographical factors. Aim: To evaluate the correlation between forearm length and stature and to derive a regression formula for stature estimation among young adults. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 93 healthy MBBS students aged 18–25 years at Government Medical College, Dindigul. The study included 33 males and 60 females selected randomly. Forearm length was measured from the olecranon process to the styloid process using standard anthropometric techniques, while stature was measured using a stadiometer. Measurements were recorded at a fixed time to minimize diurnal variation. Statistical analysis included calculation of mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and linear regression analysis. Results: The mean forearm length and stature were higher among males compared to females. Females showed a mean forearm length of 27.6 ± 1.5 cm and mean stature of 160.2 ± 5.8 cm, whereas males showed 29.6 ± 1.6 cm and 174.3 ± 6.5 cm respectively. A statistically significant moderate positive correlation (r = 0.67) was observed between forearm length and stature. The regression equation derived for stature estimation was: Height = 3.43 × Forearm Length + 67.56. Conclusion: Forearm length is a reliable anthropometric parameter for estimating stature in young adults. The derived regression equation can be useful in forensic identification and medico-legal investigations, particularly when only partial human remains are available.