Stature Estimation

stature estimation

based on correlation between bone dimensions and height

forensic stature

relationship between estimated and reported

biological stature

measured living stature; changes between morning and night

reported stature

reported on legal documents or by family members; over- and underestimates are common

cadaveric stature

measured stature of deceased individual; soft tissues can loosen or tighten, used in research

age at death

• stature decreases with age

• correction factors exist, but changes vary from person to person

• reduction reflected in reported stature?

population variation

• human populations show differences in relationships between bone lengths and stature; proportions

• males/females too

secular change

• changes over time

• average stature has increased through time in US

• proportions change as well (allometric change)

full skeleton methods

• measure all bones that contribute to stature

• advantage: greater accuracy, not population/sex specific, control for anomalies

• disadvantage: need nearly complete skeleton

Fully Technique

1. measure

   1. skull (basion-bregma)

   2. C2-S1 (max body height)

   3. femur

   4. tibia

   5. talus & calcaneus

2. sum for “skeletal height”

3. apply formula to estimate living stature

regression methods

• based on correlation between long bone lengths & height

• regression formulae are population/sex specific

• greater accuracy with bones that contribute more to stature (e.g. femur)

• take standard osteometric measurements

• apply population-specific regression formula

• report point estimate & prediction interval (95%)

Trotter and Gleser

developed early formulae:

• used WWII/Korean War dead and Terry Collection

• 19th and early 20th century individuals

• total sample: 5027 individuals

Fordisc

• input standard measurements

• choose reference sample/equations

• includes modern samples from Forensic Data Bank (FDB)