Journal of Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

Many tools help in establishing the identity of a person, of which height or stature plays a key role. One such tool is the estimation of height from the percutaneous length of the ulna. Anthropometry is especially helpful in establishing the identity of mutilated, skeletonized and amputated body parts. Height not only plays a vital role in Forensic Medicine but also in Clinical Medicine, where height enables the calculation of BMI, basic energy needs and tidal volume. Height cannot be measured directly in bedridden patients. Moreover, regression equations are ethno-specific. Hence, the main aim of this study is to derive a linear regression formula for determining the stature of right and left ulnar length. Ulnar length is measured between the tip of the olecranon and styloid processes with the help of a digital caliper in a population of Tamil ethnicity between the age group of 18–23 years. Tamil ethnicity was determined based upon their native language and their ancestral history. Within the study population, it was found that the average height of adult males was significantly higher than that of adult females. The mean height in males was 175.03±8.97 cm, in females were 159.51±6.21 cm and in all the subject (N=181), the mean height calculated was 166.11±11.79 cm. The linear regression equations for estimation of stature would be of high practical value for medical and forensic experts in identifying a person from stature for civil and criminal purposes as per the need.