Sternal components as predictors of stature: A forensic anthropology study in the Prayagraj region

An important component of forensic anthropology is identifying people through estimating their total height based on skeletal remains. Out of all the bones analysed, the sternum has been identified as one of the more well-preserved and stronger bones suitable for height estimation. This research seeks to explore the predictive potential of the sternum for stature estimation.

A total 100 participants (50 males & 50 females) aged 20 to 70 years from the Prayagraj region underwent thoracic thin-section computed tomography scans. The scans were performed, using a 384 Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) Scanner, the images with a slice thickness of 1 mm were utilised. Structural images analysis were conducted to estimate stature by measuring different components of the sternum through three dimension CT imaging.

The investigation revealed verifiable sexual dimorphism, as male sternal dimensions and stature surpassed that of females. In all the variables studied, height correlated most closely with TSL (r=0.891), which further increased with height regression in males (r=0.932). Also, regression analysis corroborated that manubrium length, body of sternum length, and total sternal length were significant predictors of stature. The predictors accounted for 72% of the variance (R²=0.72). Males, unlike females, were more precise (R²=0.75 vs. R²=0.68). Over the years, ageing has had a cumulative effect on reducing stature owing to spinal compression.

The present study validates the use of sternal measurement for estimating stature, enhancing their relevance in forensic practice. Being a scientific reliable, non-invasive and tailored to both sex and age, these measurements offer a practical and accurate tool for anthropological and forensic application. This adds considerable value to forensic identification methods, especially in scenario where traditional techniques may not be feasible or available. The study supports that sternal lengths strongly correlate with stature particularly in males.