Anthropometric Correlation between Stature and Measurements of Hand & Finger Length

Stature is defined as the maximum height attained during one’s lifespan. Human stature estimation is one of the essential aspects of Forensic anthropological investigation which helps in the identification of a person or a body in different civil and criminal matters.

The present prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government Medical College, Amritsar on 200 healthy undergraduate Punjabi students (100 males and 100 females) to find out the bilateral and bisexual variations from the percutaneous measurement of length and breadth of hand and fingers except thumb to reconstruct the stature for identification purposes.

The mean height in males was 174.3690±6.18 cm, in females were 159.50±6.22 cm and in all the subject (N=200), the mean height calculated was 166.94±9.68 cm. coefficient, ‘t’ test and ANOVA test and regression equation for height is formulated. The regression equation for all the subjects (n=200) is Y = 36.734 + (4.994 * LHL) + (2.683 * RHW) + (5.023 * RMFL) - (3.489 * LRFL).

Stature is observed significantly related to hand length, width and length of fingers. Linear regression equations for estimation of stature would be of immense value for medical professionals and can be used for identification of a person from stature for civil and criminal purpose wherever required.