Stature estimation from humeral length amongst Nigerians: A radiographic approach

Stature is an essential anatomical parameter for creating the biological profile of persons in forensic analysis. The aim of the study was to establish regression formulae for the estimation of stature from plain radiographs of humerus. A total of 90 subjects (49 males and 41 Females) were recruited randomly for the study at the Lulu-Briggs Health centre, University of Port Harcourt. An x-ray of the humerus was taken after measuring the heights of volunteers. The films obtained were later fixed to an x-ray illuminator where the humeral length (HML) was measured using a lead pencil and ruler. Statistical analysis was done for all parameters (stature and humeral length) using SPSS. Pearson’s co-efficient of stature versus HML were 0.66 for males and 0.50 for females. The regression equation for estimation of stature were 2.45 (HML) + 89.20 for males and 2.16 (HML) + 97.17 for females. Standard error for regression formula derived was observed to be 0.41cm in males and 0.59 cm in females which indicates a high level of reliability on the formula and proves further to show that the humerus is a good predictor of stature. In conclusion, the use of x-ray is a reliable procedure and a practical approach in stature estimation and the humerus is a good predictor of stature in the Nigerian population.