Journal de médecine légale

Stature Estimation through Sternum Length: A Reliable Approach for Forensic Identification Using Skeletal Remains in Western India

Abstract

Shaochen Liang

Stature estimation holds significant importance within forensic osteology for identifying individuals from skeletal and dismembered remains. Forensic anthropologists face an evolving challenge in estimating stature due to secular changes in height trends, variations in long bone proportions, and global population migrations. Particularly in cases of mass disasters, establishing the identity of the deceased proves daunting for forensic experts. This research delved into examining the connection between stature and sternum length. Conducted at a prominent medical college and referral hospital in Western India, the study obtained data from 196 subjects with ethical clearance from the institutional clinical committee. The analysis revealed an ascending trend in the Area Under the Curve (AUC) as we move from manubrium to total sternal length via mesosternum. Likewise, metrics such as McFadden's Rho-square, Cox and Snell R-square, and Naglekerke's R-square exhibited upward patterns. The study's findings underscore the reliable predictive capacity of sternum length for stature among the adult population in Western India. This metric offers a valuable alternative for stature estimation in practical forensic scenarios involving skeletal remains, especially when traditional predictors like limb long bones are unavailable.