Determination of Stature from Sternum in Central Delhi Population

Identification is one important aspect dealt with in forensic anthropology. It is necessary in cases of mass disasters or otherwise when no clue is present regarding the identity of individual. Bones have been used previously for identification by determining race, age, sex and stature. However, limited studies for estimation stature from Sternal bone are available in literature. This study was conducted in population of Delhi, India, to assess the usefulness of sternal bone for determining stature. Results indicated that the length of the Manubrium (r=0.716, SEE=6.524), length of Mesosternum (r=0.604, SEE=7.447) and Sternal length (r=0.674, SEE=6.899) can be used effectively for stature estimation. Regression equations were developed for each parameter. We also found that the regression equations developed by other researchers for other population samples were not useful in our population sample.